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

March 1, 2026

$9,000 per award; up to two awards granted annually; project must be completed within 1 year.

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

Open to artists in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties or Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands; must be 18+ and resident for at least 6 months.

--- ## Description The ECRAC Essential Artist Award, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC), is designed to recognize, reward, and encourage outstanding professional artists and culture bearers. The program aims to elevate the visibility of exceptional achievement in the arts and support artists in furthering their creative work and professional development. Awardees may use funds to set aside time to work, purchase supplies and materials, undertake advanced study (not related to a degree), or pursue other career goals in any artistic medium. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026: Application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Each Essential Artist Award is $9,000. - Up to two awards are granted each year. - Funded projects must start on July 1 and be completed within one year. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be professional artists or culture bearers. - Must be a permanent resident (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. - Must be at least 18 years of age. - Open to all artistic mediums. - Projects cannot be for degree-related study. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online through the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - Applicants must review the [ECRAC Essential Artist Guidelines FY 26-27 (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2026-27.pdf) before applying. - Additional required materials include a completed application form, budget template, and supporting documents as specified in the online application. - The grant portal opens approximately 4–6 weeks prior to the deadline. - Applications can be saved and edited until submission; once submitted, they cannot be changed. --- ## Additional Information - The award is intended to support career and artistic development, not degree programs. - Projects should begin July 1 following the award and be completed within one year. - For assistance, applicants are encouraged to review the [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) and reach out to ECRAC staff as needed. --- ## External Links - [ECRAC Essential Artist Award Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/individual/ecrac-essential-artist-award) - [ECRAC Individual Artist Grants Overview](https://www.ecrac.org/grants-available/individual-artists) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac) - [Application Guidelines PDF](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2026-27.pdf) - [Application Form PDF (for review)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application%20FY26-27.pdf) - [Budget Template](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award_2.xlsx) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Email | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | | Phone | (320) 336-0200 | | ECRAC Website | [https://www.ecrac.org](https://www.ecrac.org) | ---

ECRAC Essential Artist Award

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