Public Art Grants
The McKnight Foundation's Public Art Grants fund large-scale public art projects in southwest Minnesota that create lasting community arts access and cultural impact.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: November 4, 2026 (Round 1 draft review) | November 18, 2026 (Round 1 application) | February 24, 2027 (Round 2 draft review, if funds remain) | March 10, 2027 (Round 2 application, if funds remain)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per project; 20% cash match required; max $20,000 in SMAC grants per fiscal year per organization.
Summary: Supports large-scale physical public art projects in southwest Minnesota that create sustainable arts access and a lasting community legacy.
Key Information: Applicants must be nonprofits or government entities located in the 18-county SW MN region or listed tribal nations; fiscal sponsorship is allowed.
Description
This grant program funds organizations, city/county/tribal governments, and eligible fiscally sponsored groups to realize large-scale, physical public art projects in southwest Minnesota. Projects must create a lasting arts legacy—delivering sustainable access to the arts and continued community impact for years to come. The program prioritizes transformative public artworks that enrich the region’s cultural landscape and foster enduring community engagement.
