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

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

Up to $4,000 per award; project activities must be completed within 12 months of approval.

Supports individual artists in Central Minnesota with funds for projects, training, equipment, and activities that advance their artistic careers.

Only residents of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, MN are eligible.

--- ## Description The Artist Career Development program, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB), provides grants to individual artists seeking to advance their creative careers. The grant supports a wide range of activities including project development, training, mentorship, equipment purchases, workspace improvements, creative time, and other initiatives that help artists reach new communities, professionalize their work, or achieve significant career milestones. The program is designed to help artists overcome barriers to long-term success and to promote their recognition within the region. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026: Draft review submission deadline (anticipated/projected) - August 2026: Full application submission deadline (anticipated/projected, 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. - Funds may be used for eligible expenses such as project costs, training, creative time, equipment, workspace improvements, and related services. - Grant activities must be completed within 12 months of board approval. - 80% of funds are distributed 30 days before the project start date; the remaining 20% is released upon approval of the final report. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet the following criteria: - Be at least 18 years of age. - Be a current resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, Minnesota, and have lived in Minnesota for at least six months prior to applying. - Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. - Not have any overdue final reports from previous CMAB grants. Ineligible applicants: - Individuals not meeting the residency or citizenship requirements. - CMAB grant recipients with overdue final reports. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the CMAB grants portal. - First-time applicants must create an account; instructions and a video tutorial are available. - Applicants may request a draft review before the draft deadline. - Required materials include: - Completed application form - Work samples (images, audio/video, or written materials, depending on discipline) - Supporting documents (e.g., articles, mock-ups, research) - Proposal budget, timeline, and activity location - Artist statement and description of training/experience - Applications are reviewed and scored on Artistic Merit & Quality, Need, and Applicant Ability. - A minimum average score of 15 (out of 30) is required for funding consideration. - All review meetings are open to the public. --- ## Additional Information - Grant recipients must sign a contractual agreement within 30 days of notification. - A final report is required within 60 days of project completion; failure to submit will make the applicant ineligible for future CMAB grants. - Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with accessibility needs. - Appeals may be filed if procedures or policies were not equitably applied. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26-ArtistCareerDevelopment_Guidelines.pdf) - [Program Guidelines (DOCX)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26-ArtistCareerDevelopment_Guidelines.docx) - [Program Page & Application Portal](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/artist-career-development/) - [CMAB Online Grants System](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial Video](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org | 320-968-4290 | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | Su@centralmnartsboard.org | 320-968-4290 | | General Inquiries | Central MN Arts Board | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) | 1-866-825-1471 (toll free) | ---

Artist Career Development

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