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

July 2026: Draft review deadline (projected) | August 2026: Full application deadline (projected)

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

Supports individual artists in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, MN to advance their creative development and careers through project, training, or professional opportunities.

--- ## Description The Artist Career Development program, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB), provides grants of up to $4,000 to support individual artists in their professional growth. The grant is intended to help artists reach new audiences, overcome barriers to long-term success, professionalize their practice, increase output and quality, or complete projects marking significant career milestones. Eligible activities include projects, training, creative time, equipment purchases, and other career-advancing opportunities. The program aims to empower artists to take the next step in their creative journey and to recognize and promote awarded artists within the region. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026: Draft review deadline (anticipated/projected) - August 2026: Full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $4,000 per artist - Grant covers eligible expenses such as project costs, training, equipment, workspace improvements, publishing, research, creative time, and more - Activities must be completed within 12 months of board approval - 80% of the award is paid before the project start date; the remaining 20% is released upon submission and acceptance of the final report --- ## Eligibility - Individual artists at least 18 years old - Current resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, Minnesota - Must have lived in Minnesota for at least six months prior to applying - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien - Applicants with overdue final reports on prior CMAB grants are not eligible - Proposals must have the arts as their primary focus --- ## Application Process - Applications are 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 if applying as an individual - Required materials: - Work samples (see guidelines for discipline-specific requirements) - Proposal description (written, audio, or video) - Artist statement - Timeline and budget for proposed activities - Supporting documents as relevant - Applicants may request a draft review by CMAB staff before the draft deadline - Proposals are scored on artistic merit/quality, need, and applicant ability - Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the deadline date --- ## Additional Information - Eligible expenses include fees, supplies, equipment, creative time, mentorship, workspace improvements, and services related to the artistic project - Ineligible activities include those not primarily focused on the arts, religious socialization, or lobbying - Grant recipients must sign a contract within 30 days of notification and submit a final report within 60 days of project completion - All awarded artists retain full copyright of their work, though CMAB may use samples for promotional purposes - Appeals are possible only for procedural issues, not for artistic merit or funding decisions --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/artist-career-development/) - [Guidelines (Word)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26-ArtistCareerDevelopment_Guidelines.docx) - [Apply Online](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Contact CMAB](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------| | Leslie Hanlon | Executive Director | [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 | | 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 | ---

Artist Career Development

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