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

March 1, 2026 | March 1, 2027

$9,000 per award; up to two awards given annually; project duration up to 1 year

Supports professional artists and culture bearers in East Central Minnesota to advance their creative work and career goals.

Open to artists in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine counties (Region 7E, MN); no match required but encouraged.

--- ## Description The Essential Artist Award, managed by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) and funded by the McKnight Foundation, recognizes and supports outstanding professional artists and culture bearers living in East Central Minnesota (Region 7E). The award provides funding for artists to dedicate time to their creative work, purchase supplies, pursue advanced study (not related to a degree), or undertake other career-advancing activities. Artists working in any artistic discipline—including visual, performing, literary, media, and interdisciplinary arts—are eligible to apply. The program aims to foster artistic growth and development within the region. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026: ECRAC Essential Artist Award application deadline (full application due by 11:59 p.m.) - March 1, 2027: ECRAC Essential Artist Award application deadline (full application due by 11:59 p.m., FY 2027) Applications must be submitted online before 11:59 p.m. on the due date. --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $9,000. - Up to two awards are given annually. - Projects must start on or after July 1 following the award and be completed within one year (by June 30 of the following year). - No matching funds are required, but contributions and in-kind support are encouraged. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a professional artist or culture bearer (as defined by ECRAC: someone for whom art is a primary endeavor or career). - Permanent resident (at least 6 months) of one of the five Minnesota counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, or Pine (including Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands). - At least 18 years of age. - U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. - No outstanding or unacceptable final reports with ECRAC or misuse of funds determinations with ECRAC/Minnesota State Arts Board. - Not received ECRAC McKnight artist funding in the past two years. - Only one active ECRAC grant at a time (except for resiliency grants). - Not for degree-related work, tuition, or activities tied to regular employment. - Projects cannot have started before the approved grant start date. --- ## Application Process - Read the [Essential Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2026-27.pdf) before applying. - Applications are submitted online through the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - The portal opens 4–6 weeks before the deadline. - Required materials include: - Completed online application form - Artistic résumé - Project plan and detailed budget (use the [budget template](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award_2.xlsx)) - Work samples (see guidelines for discipline-specific requirements) - Mentor/instructor résumé (if applicable) - Equipment use plan and three quotes for equipment purchases over $500 (if applicable) - All supporting documents must be uploaded in the specified formats (PDF, Word, Excel, MP3). - Incomplete or late applications are ineligible. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must start no earlier than July 1 after the award and end by June 30 of the following year. - Grantees must use the ECRAC logo and credit line in all publicity. - Award funds are subject to state and federal income tax. - Grant recipients must submit a final report within 30 days of project completion. - Technical assistance and grant workshops are available; early contact with staff is recommended. - The program does not fund fundraising, relocation outside Region 7E, tuition, curriculum development, or activities funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board. --- ## External Links - [ECRAC Essential Artist Award Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/individual/ecrac-essential-artist-award) - [ECRAC Grant Portal (Apply Online)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac) - [Essential Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2026-27.pdf) - [Application Instructions & Form (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application%20FY26-27.pdf) - [Budget Template (XLSX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award_2.xlsx) - [Equipment Use Plan Example (DOCX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Equipment%20Use%20Plan%20Example%20for%20Artist_0.docx) - [ECRAC Contact Page](https://www.ecrac.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | ECRAC General Email | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | | ECRAC Phone | (320) 336-0200 | | ECRAC Address | 540 Weber Avenue, Suite 109, Hinckley, MN 55037 | | ECRAC Website | [www.ecrac.org](https://www.ecrac.org) | For technical assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact ECRAC staff well in advance of the deadline.

ECRAC Essential Artist Award

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