Northern Plains Summer Art Institute is taking applications from January 1 through April 18, 2025, for its summer art program. The institute will be held June 8-20, 2025
Northern Plains Summer Art Institute (NPSAI) is a two-week intensive art program for Native American Youth ages 16-20 seeking an art education that mixes artistic fundamentals with a connection to their cultural identity. Students of the program will spend two weeks with their peers learning from active professionals across multiple disciplines of the art world. The program is free for all who attend.
The Midwest is home to many Northern Plains and Woodland nations, and out of many of these Nations prolific artists have emerged. From Oscar Howe (Yanktonai Dakota), Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke), Dyani Whitehawk (Sičangu Lakota) and Fritz Scholder (Luiseño), a long tradition of world class artists has had their roots established here in the Midwest. NPSAI looks to foster this tradition to support and strengthen the next generation of artists.
Questions?
Delia Touché, Curator of Indigenous Programs
701.551.6121 • dtouche@plainsart.org
Eligibility
Eligible candidates for NPSAI are Native American Youth ages 16-20 who are dedicated to pursuing the visual arts and are interested in their Native American culture. Students will be selected based on a submitted application, one letter of reference, and a signed guardian permission form. Applications are due by April 18th, 2025.
Submission Instructions
- Applicants can fill out the online form below.
- Applicants must submit a portfolio. Please upload 4-10 pieces of current works of art or provide a link to where the portfolio can be viewed.
- Include one letter of reference from an instructor, artist, or other interested party, addressing how/why the applicant should be admitted into the institute.
- Completed and signed guardian permission form. Download here.
- The reference letter and guardian permission form can be emailed to Delia Touché at dtouche@plainsart.org or mailed to C/O: NPSAI, Delia Touché, Plains Art Museum 704 1st Ave. N, Fargo, ND 58102
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students have a right to reside and learn in a safe environment and obtain an education as described by NPSAI. Students are expected to attend all classroom instructions and participate in scheduled events.
Students will begin each day with a fundamental drawing course and a history lesson on Native American Art. Different courses will be explored during the two-week experience, as well as a day trip to Plains Art Museum and the community of Fargo, North Dakota. On the final day a closing art reception at Plains Art Museum in honor of the student’s work. This event will be open to families and the public.
Students can bring their own mobile phones with them as landlines will not be available during summer sessions. Student’s family and legal guardians are also required to provide their own transportation to and from the Northern Plains Summer Art Institute.
Room and Boarding
NPSAI students will be hosted at Circle of Nations School in Wahpeton, North Dakota. At Circle of Nations School, students will stay in the dorms, a modern and secure dormitory where students will share a dorm room with a roommate and have access to a large open television lounge. All meals will be provided to the students through the Circle of Nations School dining facility. All meals will be provided for students at the Institute, but if a student wishes to bring their own snacks, they are free to do so. Students are expected to bring their own bedding (bed sheets, blankets, pillows, etc.)
Sponsor and Statement
The 2025 session of Northern Plains Summer Art Institute is sponsored by The Waterers and is a program of the Plains Art Museum located in Fargo, North Dakota. The Plains Art Museum will cover all costs of tuition, supplies, meals, and boarding. NPSAI will be hosted by Circle of Nations School where the majority of classroom instruction will take place. Please note that Circle of Nations School is a smoke and drug-free campus. Any students who violate Circle of Nations School alcohol and drug policy will be terminated from the program and removed from campus. Additional programming will take place at Plains Art Museum which will require a commute to and from Fargo. Transportation will be provided through the NPSAI program. Family members and friends are discouraged from uncoordinated visits with students without prior arrangements with NPSAI and Circle of Nations School. Circle of Nations School is a closed campus, and all visitors must check in with the administration beforehand.
Plains Art Museum is the largest and only accredited art museum in North Dakota, reflecting our “demonstration of the highest professional standards for education, public service and collections stewardship, and a commitment to continued institutional improvement.” Less than 7% of American museums have the distinction of being accredited.
Circle of Nations School is an inter-tribal off-reservation boarding school, chartered under the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Oyate and funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. Circle of Nations School serves American Indian youth in grades 4 through 8.