[McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org)

July 2026 (Draft review request) | August 2026 (Full application submission)

Up to $4,000 per award; one-year project period.

Supports individual artists in Central Minnesota with funding for projects and activities to advance their creative development and professional careers.

Applicants must be residents of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, MN for at least six months.

--- ## Description The Artist Career Development grant, administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board with funding from the McKnight Foundation, is designed to support individual artists in their creative and professional growth. The program funds projects, training, creative time, equipment purchases, and other activities that help artists reach new audiences, overcome barriers, professionalize their practice, or achieve significant career milestones. The grant aims to foster artistic innovation and visibility for artists in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026: Draft review request deadline (anticipated/projected) - August 2026: Full application submission deadline (anticipated/projected; applications due by 11:59 PM) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $4,000 per artist/project - Grant activities must be completed within 12 months of board approval - 80% of funds are distributed 30 days before the project start date; remaining 20% released upon approval of the final report --- ## Eligibility - Must be at least 18 years old - Must be a current resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, Minnesota for at least six months prior to applying - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien - Applicants with overdue final reports from previous CMAB grants are not eligible - Projects must have the arts as their primary focus --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online through the [CMAB Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - First-time applicants must create an account (use your last name as the organization name) - Required materials: - Completed application form - Artist statement and project description (written, audio, or video format) - Work samples (images, audio/video, or written materials, depending on discipline) - Budget outlining eligible and additional expenses - Supporting documents (e.g., news articles, mock-ups, research) - Applicants may request a draft review by emailing [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) before the draft deadline - Applications are evaluated on Artistic Merit & Quality, Need, and Applicant Ability - Minimum average score of 15 (out of 30) required for funding consideration --- ## Additional Information - Eligible expenses: project costs, training, mentorship, equipment, workspace improvements, creative time, supplies, publishing, and more - Ineligible expenses: non-arts activities, religious socialization, lobbying, or projects not primarily arts-focused - Final report required within 60 days of project completion; future eligibility depends on compliance - The Central Minnesota Arts Board may use submitted art samples for promotional purposes (artist retains copyright) - Reasonable accommodations available for accessibility needs --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26-ArtistCareerDevelopment_Guidelines.pdf) - [Program Page & Guidelines (Word)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26-ArtistCareerDevelopment_Guidelines.docx) - [Central MN Arts Board Artist Career Development Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/artist-career-development/) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | Leslie Hanlon | Executive Director| [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | General Inquiries | - | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 1-866-825-1471 | For more information, visit the [CMAB Contact Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact).

Artist Career Development

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