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

March 1, 2026 (full application deadline)

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

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

Open to artists residing in Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine counties or Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands.

--- ## Description The ECRAC Essential Artist Award, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC), is intended to recognize, reward, and encourage outstanding professional artists and culture bearers. This program supports recipients in advancing their creative work, elevates the visibility of individual artists, and celebrates their contributions to the region’s cultural landscape. The award enables artists to dedicate time to their practice, purchase supplies, undertake advanced study (not related to a degree), or pursue other career development goals. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026: Full application deadline (annual) --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $9,000. - Up to two awards are granted each year. - Funded projects should begin July 1 and must be completed within one year. --- ## Eligibility - Open to professional artists and culture bearers working in any artistic medium. - Applicants must be permanent residents (at least 6 months) of one of the following Minnesota counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, or Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. - Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. - The award is for individuals only; organizations are not eligible. - Projects must not be related to degree programs. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ecrac). - Applicants must read the [Essential Artist Award Guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2026-27.pdf) before applying. - Required materials include the completed application, supporting documentation, and any additional items specified in the online instructions. - The application portal opens approximately 4–6 weeks before the deadline. - Applications can be saved and edited before final submission; once submitted, no further edits are allowed. --- ## Additional Information - Funded projects may include time for artistic work, purchase of supplies/equipment, advanced study (not for a degree), or other career advancement activities. - Recipients are expected to begin their project on July 1 following the award and complete it within one year. - Review the [grant guidelines](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2026-27.pdf) for detailed eligibility and requirements. --- ## External Links - [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) - [Essential Artist Award Application (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application%20FY26-27.pdf) - [Budget Template - Essential Artist Award (Excel)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award_2.xlsx) - [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) --- ## 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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