Native American Artists Invited to Apply for Minnesota Historical Society Residency

ST. PAUL, Minn. (August 4, 2025) – Native American artists are encouraged to apply for the Native American Artist-in-Residence (NAAIR) program at the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS). The six-to-twelve month paid residency was established by the Native American Initiatives (NAI) department in 2013 to support the recovery and continuation of traditional Native American arts by utilizing the MNHS collections. The 2025-2026 cohort will be supported throughout the duration of the program in the intergenerational transference of knowledge and cultural practices. 

NAAIR is open to artists practicing all forms of traditional art. Artists-in-residence are supported financially, given access to study the MNHS collections, and are provided with support to visit regional museums or knowledgeable peer artists or elders. At the end of the program, participating artists have the opportunity to share what they’ve learned during their residency with community members of all ages to help ensure the ongoing practice of traditional art—now and in the future.

Two virtual Q&A sessions will be hosted via Zoom on Wednesday, August 13 from 5–6 pm and Tuesday, September 9 from 6–7 pm. During these Zoom meetings, MNHS staff members will give a brief overview of the program and walk through the requirements for interested applicants. These sessions will serve as an opportunity for artists to meet the NAI staff involved in facilitating the program, ask questions, and learn more about the application process.

Additional program information, eligibility requirements, and applications can be accessed by visiting the NAAIR website. The priority application window closes on October 3, 2025. 

NAAIR is made possible in part by a grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.

About the Native American Initiatives team

The NAI team is an advocate for Native communities and Native nations at the Minnesota Historical Society, serving as a bridge between community needs and MNHS resources, engaging with Native communities and nations throughout the state, and ensuring Native voices, stories, and concerns are addressed in MNHS work. The NAI team conducts research, provides content, and creates programming and engagement opportunities across the state.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves, and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.