Artist Growth Grants
Artist Growth Grants support Southwest Minnesota artists in developing their skills and careers through funding for creative projects, mentorship, research, or professional development.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: August 5, 2026 (Round 1: staff draft review) | August 19, 2026 (Round 1: application deadline) | February 3, 2027 (Round 2: staff draft review) | February 17, 2027 (Round 2: application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $4,000 per project; grant counts toward taxable income; project must be completed by June 30, 2028.
Summary: Supports artists in Southwest Minnesota at any career stage to undertake projects that advance their skills and artistic careers.
Key Information: Applicants must be permanent residents of the SW MN Arts Council region (18 counties or Upper/Lower Sioux communities) for at least 6 months.
Description
The Artist Growth Grants, administered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council and funded in part by the McKnight Foundation, are designed to support artists at any stage of their career in Southwest Minnesota. The program provides up to $4,000 for projects that foster artistic skill development, professional growth, and greater capacity to live and work as an artist in the region. Eligible projects may include creating new work, attending workshops, one-on-one study with a mentor, research, equipment purchases tied to a specific project, website or portfolio development, and more. The grant is intended to help artists reach new professional milestones and expand their audiences.
