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Twin Cities PBS Launches Open Call for Nonfiction Projects

Overview

On June 1, 2026, Twin Cities PBS announced an exciting new initiative titled the Open Call, aimed at fostering bold and impactful nonfiction storytelling. This initiative is designed to harness the power of media to delve into the intertwined narratives of Minnesota’s communities, offering a unique platform for filmmakers, journalists, educators, and community storytellers to bring critical issues to light.

Grant Details

The Open Call initiative will provide funding through research and development (RD) grants, awarding a total of five grants, each worth $10,000. These grants are intended to support the early stages of documentary and multiplatform storytelling projects that fall within four key categories: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Health, and Economic Development. The application period for interested creators spans from June 1 until July 31, 2026.

Categories of Focus

1. Agriculture

The initiative seeks stories that illuminate the essence of Minnesota’s agricultural heart—covering farming communities, sustainable food systems, and the legislation affecting the agricultural landscape. It aims to amplify the voices of those who make up this vital sector.

2. Natural Resources

With countless lakes and forests, Minnesota's natural landscape is rich and diverse. This category will explore environmental challenges and the opportunities that lie within. Projects focused on wildlife conservation and the state’s greenspace preservation efforts will be central to this narrative.

3. Health

Addressing community health and wellness, this category will highlight stories that tackle healthcare access, mental health awareness, and the various trials faced by Minnesotans. The goal is to authentically portray the experiences of those navigating these essential aspects of life.

4. Economic Development

The economic narratives of rural and urban Minnesota will be featured, showcasing innovation, workforce dynamics, and small business stories. This category will seek to reveal the forces shaping the state’s economic trajectory, highlighting both challenges and prospects for growth.

Collaborative Development

Upon selection, projects will enter a collaborative development phase with Twin Cities PBS, where they will engage in refining their concepts based on feedback and additional research. The RD grants are specifically earmarked for activities like research conduct, preliminary filming, idea testing, budgeting, and strategizing audience engagement.

Nick Kereakos, the Chief Content Officer at Twin Cities PBS, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "For nearly 70 years, our mission has been to narrate stories that unify our communities and enable a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our identity as Minnesotans. This Open Call underlines our commitment to fostering essential storytelling that mirrors the diversity of our state."

Application Process

Though applicants residing in Minnesota are preferred, any individual with a minimum age of 18 who has demonstrated experience in film, television, or storytelling is eligible to apply. Interested individuals must submit their proposals adhering to the guidelines provided at TPT.org/OpenCall.

Conclusion

The Twin Cities PBS Open Call presents a significant opportunity for storytellers to explore and capture the pivotal narratives that reflect the diversity and resilience of Minnesota’s communities. By funding these projects, Twin Cities PBS aims to create a body of work that not only informs but also inspires civic connection across the region. This initiative serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to change perspectives and foster understanding in our ever-evolving society.