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

July 2026 (draft review) | August 2026 (full application)

Up to $4,000 per award; 12-month project period.

Supports individual artists in Central Minnesota for projects and activities that advance their creative and professional careers.

For residents of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, MN only.

--- ## Description The Artist Career Development program, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB), provides financial support for individual artists to pursue projects, training, creative time, equipment, and other activities that further their artistic growth and professional advancement. The program is designed to help artists reach new markets, overcome barriers to long-term success, professionalize their practice, and achieve significant career milestones. Funding can support a wide variety of artistic disciplines and career development activities. --- ## Due Dates - **Draft Review Deadline (anticipated):** July 2026 *Applicants may request CMAB staff review of draft applications prior to this date.* - **Full Application Submission Deadline (anticipated):** August 2026 (applications due by 11:59 PM) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum award:** Up to $4,000 per project - **Project period:** Activities must be completed within 12 months of board approval - **Disbursement:** 80% of the award is paid 30 days before the project start date; the remaining 20% is released upon acceptance of the final report --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet **all** the following criteria: - Be at least 18 years of age - Be a current resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, Minnesota - Have resided in Minnesota for at least six months prior to application - Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien - Not have any overdue final reports for previous CMAB grants **Ineligible applicants:** - Those not meeting the above residency or age requirements - CMAB grant recipients with overdue reports --- ## Application Process 1. **Create an Account:** Register through the [CMAB online grant system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). 2. **Draft Review (Optional):** Request staff feedback on your draft application before the draft deadline by contacting [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org). 3. **Prepare Application Materials:** - Proposal name and brief description - Artist statement - Proposal narrative (written, audio, or video format) - Timeline for proposed activities - Work samples (images, audio, video, or written materials, depending on discipline) - Budget (eligible expenses, total expenses, and amount requested) - Additional supporting documents as needed 4. **Submit Online:** Applications must be completed and submitted through the CMAB system by 11:59 PM on the deadline. 5. **Review and Scoring:** Applications are evaluated on Artistic Merit & Quality, Need, and Applicant Ability. A minimum average score of 15/30 is required for funding consideration. 6. **Award Notification:** Recipients must sign a contract within 30 days of notification and submit a final report within 60 days of project completion. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible expenses include project fees, training, equipment, workspace improvements, publishing/production costs, creative time, and related services. - Activities must begin after the board review date and be completed within one year. - Applications that do not have the arts as their primary focus, or that are primarily for religious or political purposes, are not eligible. - Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with accessibility needs. - The program is open to a wide range of artistic disciplines (visual, performing, literary, media, crafts, etc.). --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26-ArtistCareerDevelopment_Guidelines.pdf) - [Program Guidelines (Word)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26-ArtistCareerDevelopment_Guidelines.docx) - [Program Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/artist-career-development/) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [CMAB Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) --- ## 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 | | General Inquiries | - | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 1-866-825-1471 | For more contacts and to book virtual office hours, visit the [CMAB Contact Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact).

Artist Career Development

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