Applications are now open for public participation in the inaugural聽, organized by the and running from January 2027 through June 2027.
Rooted in the creative spirit, intellectual energy, and iconic traditions of Notre Dame and our region, the six-month festival will present an unprecedented roster of world-class performances, exhibitions, courses, and convenings on Notre Dame鈥檚 campus, in and around South Bend, and across Notre Dame鈥檚 global network.
鈥淏iennial programming isn't just about entertainment; it's also about creating shared experiences that build bridges in our community,鈥� says Arts Initiative director Michael Schreffler. 鈥淏y embracing every art form 鈥� from dance to design, sculpture to song 鈥� the biennial brings people together to celebrate, and be inspired by, human creativity.鈥�
In addition to signature programming led by the Notre Dame Arts Initiative, the biennial will include featured programming led by campus and community partners and supported by the initiative. Those interested in organizing performances, exhibitions, screenings, lectures, workshops, courses, visiting artist engagements, conferences, and other arts activations as part of the Arts Biennial are invited to for up to $20,000 of funding toward co-produced projects.
Individuals, organizations, and businesses both based in and serving communities in St. Joseph County and its six surrounding counties (Elkhart, Marshall, Starke, and LaPorte in Indiana and Berrien and Cass in Michigan) as well as Notre Dame faculty, staff, and students (including those at its 12 global locations) are eligible to apply.
鈥淏iennial programming isn't just about entertainment; it's also about creating shared experiences that build bridges in our community. By embracing every art form 鈥� from dance to design, sculpture to song 鈥� the biennial brings people together to celebrate, and be inspired by, human creativity.鈥�
鈥淧eople often ask me what I think makes a biennial successful,鈥� reflects Arts Initiative managing director Rebecca Struch. 鈥淭o me, it鈥檚 one that energizes artists, audiences, and advocates to come together around a shared vision for our creative and communal futures. This means that regional and global collaboration are absolutely essential.鈥�
Regional venues, including campus locations at Notre Dame and other schools, are also invited to join the , an ongoing roster of venues interested in providing in-kind use of their space for public arts programming connected to the biennial.
A third opportunity invites groups with relevant programming that will occur between January 2027 and June 2027 to apply for their event to become part of a larger .
Community members and campus affiliates are encouraged to learn more about all three opportunities at . Project funding submissions are due February 16, 2026. The Venue Activation List and Biennial Network application will remain open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through April 30, 2027. Questions may be emailed to arts@nd.edu.
The Arts Biennial is organized and produced by the Notre Dame Arts Initiative, which mobilizes the transformative power of the arts to advance knowledge, invigorate learning, and foster human solidarity by transcending boundaries between art forms and across disciplines. The Arts Initiative is a key priority of Notre Dame鈥檚 strategic framework. It champions interdisciplinary research and teaching in the arts, enhances opportunities for students to engage with the arts on and beyond campus, and deepens artistic collaboration in our community.
Originally published by聽 at on January 13, 2026.