The Northfield Arts and Culture Commission, in partnership with the Friends of Downtown Northfield, is hosting a competition for artists to design a new downtown banner in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The banners will be displayed on light poles along Division Street in time for Northfield’s sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on September 15, remaining for all of Hispanic Heritage Month and into November.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed September 15 to October 15, is an annual celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America or other regions that identify with the aforementioned cultures. To celebrate the vibrant and diverse communities of Northfield, the Arts and Culture Commission and Friends of Downtown Northfield invite Latine and Hispanic artists to participate in the open design competition.

The banners will be printed vertically on durable vinyl measuring 28 inches by 79 inches. Since the call for banner art asks for only a design, and not the manufacture of the banner by the artist, there are no expectations for the artist to deal with specific materials. Any medium or artistic form that can be digitally rendered is acceptable such as illustration, painting, photography, collage, or fiber.

The winning artist will be paid $1,500 for their design. Submissions are due June 23, 2023. For more information on how to submit a design for the competition, visit: northfieldmn.gov/CallToArtists

La Comisión de Arte y Cultura de Northfield, en colaboración con los Amigos del Centro de Northfield, organiza un concurso para que los artistas diseñen una nueva pancarta en el centro de la ciudad para celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Las pancartas se colocarán en los postes de la calle Division a tiempo para la sexta celebración anual de la Herencia Hispana de Northfield el 15 de septiembre, y permanecerán durante todo el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y hasta noviembre.

El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, que se celebra del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, es una celebración anual de las historias, culturas y contribuciones de los estadounidenses cuyos antepasados proceden de España, México, el Caribe y América Central y del Sur o de otras regiones que se identifican con las culturas mencionadas. Para celebrar las vibrantes y diversas comunidades de Northfield, la Comisión de Arte y Cultura y Amigos del centro de Northfield invitan a artistas latines e hispanes a participar en el concurso abierto de diseño.

Las pancartas se imprimirán verticalmente en vinilo duradero de 28 por 79 pulgadas. Dado que la convocatoria de arte de la pancarta pide sólo un diseño, y no la fabricación de la pancarta por el artista, no hay expectativas para el artista para hacer frente a los materiales específicos. Se acepta cualquier medio o forma artística que se pueda representar digitalmente, como ilustración, pintura, fotografía, collage o fibra.

El artista ganador recibirá 1.500 dólares por su diseño. El plazo de presentación finaliza el 23 de junio de 2023. Para más información sobre cómo presentar un diseño al concurso, visite: northfieldmn.gov/CallToArtists

The Friends of Downtown Northfield are proud to announce the return of the Artists on Main Street program for the fourth year! This program makes grants of up to $5,000 that allow artists to create and exhibit their work in the heart of Northfield’s downtown district. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, musician, dancer, or any other type of artist, this program is for you. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your creativity, gain exposure, and connect with the Northfield community. This year’s theme is Meet me at the River!

The 2023 program is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a $25,000 grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, with an additional $10,000 contribution from the City of Northfield’s One Percent for the Arts Program. These contributions will be used to fund artists who have inventive and original ideas for adding to the beauty of Northfield’s downtown.

“We are thrilled to bring this program back,” said Christopher Tassava, Board President of the Friends of Downtown Northfield. “It’s an excellent opportunity to support artists and enhance the cultural health of our community.”

A Public Art Review Committee comprised representatives from the Friends of Downtown Northfield; the city’s Arts and Culture Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, and Park and Recreation Advisory Board; downtown business; and youth members will work to select artists for the program. 

“The Arts and Culture Commission is eager to work together with the Friends on another round of Artists on Main Street,” said Natalie Draper, library director and staff liaison to the Arts and Culture Commission. “We look forward to seeing the creativity and talent of artists on display.” 

The Friends of Downtown Northfield and the Arts and Culture Commission welcome all to be a part of Northfield’s vibrant arts scene. Full guidelines on the program and the application are available online. The Friends and the Arts and Culture Commission hope to select and announce grants to artists by July; grantees will have until October to carry out their funded projects.