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

July 1, 2025 (applications open) | May 22, 2026 (final submission deadline)

Up to $500 per artist per fiscal year; one-year project period.

Supports Minnesota artists with funding for learning opportunities, training, or equipment to advance their artistic skills.

Projects must begin at least 30 days after submission and finish within 12 months of approval.

--- ## Description The Artist Learning Grant, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board, provides financial support to individual artists seeking to enhance their artistic skills and abilities. Eligible activities include tuition and materials for arts classes, workshops, conferences, or non-degree college-level courses, as well as the purchase of equipment or supplies needed for art-making. The grant can also be used for mentorship or consultation with skilled professionals. The program is designed to foster artistic growth and professional development for artists residing in specific Minnesota counties. --- ## Due Dates - Application opens: July 1, 2025 - Final submission deadline: May 22, 2026 Applications are reviewed and approved within 30 days of submission. Projects must start at least 30 days after submission and be completed within 12 months of grant approval. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $500 per artist per fiscal year. - Funds may be used for eligible expenses such as: - Tuition and materials for classes, workshops, or conferences (non-degree seeking) - Equipment or supplies related to a specific artistic learning opportunity - Fees for consultants, mentors, or skilled professionals Awardees must submit receipts for purchases made with grant funds. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be 18 years of age or older - 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 either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien Not eligible: - Applicants with overdue final reports for any CMAB grant - Current recipients of a CMAB Student Arts Scholarship - Artists living outside Region 7W - Proposals for degree-seeking or licensure courses, organization memberships, or travel expenses (mileage, airfare, lodging, meals) --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [Central MN Arts Board grants portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). - First-time applicants must create an account. - Required materials include: - Artist statement (up to 1,500 characters) - Work samples with descriptions (format varies by discipline) - Detailed budget and list of eligible expenses - Information about the proposed learning opportunity and how it will enhance artistic skills - Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the project start date. - Awardees must sign a contract within 30 days of notification and submit a final report within 60 days of project completion. For detailed instructions and review criteria, consult the [FY26 Artist Learning Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26_ArtistLearning_Guidelines.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Applications are reviewed and scored on artistic merit/quality and ability/need. - Minimum average score of 15 (out of 30) is required for funding. - Projects must be completed within 12 months of grant approval. - Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with accessibility needs. - Awardees receiving $600 or more in a calendar year will receive a 1099 tax form. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/artist-learning-grant/) - [FY26 Artist Learning Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FY26_ArtistLearning_Guidelines.pdf) - [Apply for a Grant](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Central MN Arts Board Contact Page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Central MN Arts Board| [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) | 320-968-4290 / 1-866-825-1471 | | Leslie Hanlon, Executive Director | [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Kaitlin Pohland, Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Su Legatt, Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | | For assistance or accommodations, contact the Central MN Arts Board office. Virtual office hours are available for one-on-one support. ---

Artist Learning Grant

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