International Peace Garden, Elmer Thompson, 2019
Rural Arts Initiative
Bringing museum exhibitions to Rural North Dakota.
About the Program: The Rural Arts Initiative, an educational outreach program, works to encourage and empower rural school students and their teachers to actively participate in learning through the arts. The Rural Art Initiative came about in direct response to feedback from educators and families working in rural areas. Major challenges such as inadequate funding for art education, few museums and great distances have not allowed the visual arts to flourish in rural areas as much as other forms of art such as music and theater, which accompanied early settlers as they moved west.
Who it Serves: Each exhibition includes flexible installation, engaging labels, online lesson plans, and support for teachers. For qualifying schools, the Museum covers mileage, bus drivers, and substitute teachers so students can participate without added barriers.
The Rural Arts Initiative is funded by the North Dakota State Legislature and offered at no cost to host locations.
Dickinson Museum Center, Elmer Thompson, 2019.
Currently Touring with Rural Arts
Bookings
2025 Rural Arts Exhibition
On display in the galleries of the North Dakota Museum of Art
March 13 – July 8, 2025
Bookings explores the many lives of books: as objects, archives, sculptures, and carriers of collective memory. The exhibition features artists who turn books into physical, visual, and conceptual forms — inviting viewers to think about reading, storytelling, and what it means to preserve our shared histories. Designed to support classroom learning, Bookings comes with a full resource guide, lesson plans, and activities that encourage close looking and discussion.
Crossroads: An Exploration of Place and Identity
2025 Rural Arts Exhibition
On display in the galleries of the North Dakota Museum of Art
June 1 – September 3, 2024
Crossroads brought together photographers, painters, and printmakers who all investigate the relationship between land, memory, belonging, and identity. The works explore remote landscapes, rural and urban experiences, socio-political histories, and the personal “crossroads” moments that shape who we become.
Past Exhibitions
Curious where Rural Arts travels throughout North Dakota?
Current Tour Schedule:
Bismarck | February 3 – 21, 2026
Bismarck Art and Galleries Association
Public Reception: February 6 from 5 – 7 pm
Dunseith | June 24 – July 29, 2026
International Peace Garden
Fessenden | March 3 – March 16, 2026
Viking Building
Public Reception: March 3 from 5 – 7 pm
In the News:
How Hosting Works
Museum Visits
Two major exhibitions will be selected for the program. Throughout the school year, teachers and their students will visit the Museum to see and discuss exhibitions. Financial support for travel expenses is available for qualifying schools.
Tour Exhibitions
The Museum will organize touring exhibitions of art, relevant to the local communities, that are integrated into school curricula and that can withstand less-than-optimal conditions and handling. Each exhibition targets specific age groups within the K-12 spectrum but all class levels are encouraged to visit and participate in the exhibition. Each host organization must provided a secure facility and staff for the duration of the exhibition. Exhibition times vary depending on location.
The Museum will deliver and install the exhibition
As part of the program Museum staff will train docents on the exhibition and program. In addition, Museum staff will return to pack up the exhibition when it closes. There is never a cost to host organizations. Past exhibitions, Snow Country Prison, Self Portraits, Shelterbelts, Marking the Land, and Animals: Them and Us, have been installed in buildings such as bank basements, Masonic temples, empty store fronts, school gymnasiums, etc.
If you are interested in learning more about the Rural Arts Initiative or would like to book an exhibition call 701-777-4195.
We Help Educators Participate
For qualifying schools, the Museum covers:
- mileage
- bus drivers
- substitute teachers
- online lesson plans
It is Always Free to Host
There is never a fee to participate in the Rural Arts Initiative.
Interested in volunteering? Check out the tour schedule for if we’re going to be near you and you can contact the host directly.
Resources for Teachers
Plan your visit and extend the exhibition in your classroom.
Includes:
- before / during / after visit guides
- lesson plans (K–12)
- exhibition resource guides
- Visual Thinking Strategies
activities + worksheets - reimbursement + evaluation forms
Bring Rural Arts to Your Community
Rural Arts Booking Request Form
Step into a world of creativity and education as we invite you to host the Rural Arts Initiative! Crafted by the North Dakota Museum of Art, this initiative empowers rural school children, educators, families, and communities through immersive art experiences. Join hands with us to ignite young minds within a 50-mile radius of your location. We handle logistics, covering mileage, bus drivers, and substitute teachers, so you can focus on nurturing creativity. Backed by the North Dakota State Legislature, this initiative delivers curated exhibitions, engaging labels, online lesson plans, and seamless artwork installation. We adapt to any space, ensuring art thrives even in unconventional settings. Your commitment to community enrichment perfectly aligns with our vision. Become a host and shape a future where art and education unite.
Questions?
Contact MJ McHugh, Director of Education and Rural Arts
mjmchugh@ndmoa.com • 701-777-3599