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

March 1, 2026

$9,000 per award; up to two awards granted annually

Recognizes and supports outstanding professional artists and culture bearers in East Central Minnesota to advance their creative work.

For individual artists/culture bearers residing in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties or Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands.

--- ## Description The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) Essential Artist Award, funded by the McKnight Foundation, honors and encourages exceptional professional artists and culture bearers. The program provides financial support and recognition to individuals demonstrating outstanding artistic talent and commitment, enabling them to dedicate time to creative work, purchase supplies, undertake advanced study (not related to a degree), or pursue other career development goals. The intent is to foster the cultural vibrancy of East Central Minnesota by supporting artists at various stages of their professional careers and across all artistic disciplines. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026 (annual deadline) The funded project should start on July 1 and must be completed within a year. --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $9,000. - Up to two awards are granted annually. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be professional artists or culture bearers. - Must be at least 18 years old. - Must be a permanent resident (for at least 6 months) of one of the following Minnesota counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, or the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. - Open to all artistic mediums. - Project activities must start on July 1 and be completed within one year. - Activities related to degree programs are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - Applicants must create an account on the portal. - Required materials include: - Completed online application - Supporting documents as outlined in the [grant guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) - Budget template and any required plans or examples - The application can be saved and edited until final submission. - Review the guidelines and application questions before applying. - Contact ECRAC staff for assistance as needed. --- ## Additional Information - The program is highly competitive; only up to two awards are made each year. - Links for application materials become available 4–6 weeks prior to the deadline. - Funded projects must not be part of a degree program. --- ## External Links - [Essential Artist Award Program Information](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/individual/ecrac-essential-artist-award) - [ECRAC Individual Artists Grants Overview](https://www.ecrac.org/grants-available/individual-artists) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac) - [Essential Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) - [Application Form (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FY24-25%20Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application_0.pdf) - [Budget Template (XLSX)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | | Phone | (320) 336-0200 | | Grant Portal Tutorial | [YouTube Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) | ---

ECRAC Essential Artist Award

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