Department of Public Transformation (DoPT) and The YES! House invite applications for the 2026 River Valley Ripple (RVR) Artist Residency. This program uplifts and supports rural artists from Southwest Minnesota (SWMN) by providing time, space, and resources to develop and/or expand their artistic practice. Artists can be at any stage—from emerging to established.
To be eligible, artists must reside in one of the 18 counties of Southwestern Minnesota (see map of the region here). Four artists will be selected for this unique, close-to-home opportunity to focus on creative work, connect with a regional network of artists and community partners, and share their practice with friends, family, and neighbors through a public “artist salon” showcase.
Applications are due by 11:59 PM CST on November 10, 2025. Late applications will not be reviewed.
Learn more about the artist residency, watch a video on how to apply, and apply by visiting the link below.
This RVR Artist Residency is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.