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

March 1, 2026 (annual)

$9,000 per award; up to two awards per year; project period up to 1 year

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

--- ## Description The Essential Artist Award, offered by the East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) with support from the McKnight Foundation, is designed to recognize, reward, and encourage exceptional professional artists and culture bearers in East Central Minnesota. The award provides recipients with financial support, recognition, and the opportunity to advance their artistic careers, set aside time for creative work, purchase supplies, pursue advanced study (not related to a degree), or achieve other significant career goals. Artists from all artistic disciplines are eligible to apply. --- ## Due Dates - March 1, 2026: Application submission deadline (annual) --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $9,000. - Up to two awards are given annually. - Funded projects should begin 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 Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. - Must be at least 18 years old. - Open to artists in all artistic mediums and at various career stages. - Projects must not be related to degree programs. --- ## Application Process - Review the [Essential Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FINAL%20ECRAC%20Essential%20Artist%20Guidelines%20FY%2024-25.pdf) before applying. - Prepare all required materials and documentation as outlined in the guidelines. - Applications must be submitted online via the [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2). - The application portal typically opens 4–6 weeks before the deadline. - You may save and edit your application until final submission. --- ## Additional Information - Awarded projects must start July 1 following the deadline and be completed within one year. - Contact ECRAC staff for support during the application process. - Review the application tips and ensure all uploads are saved before exiting the portal. --- ## External Links - [ECRAC Essential Artist Award Program Page](https://www.ecrac.org/grants/individual/ecrac-essential-artist-award) - [ECRAC Grants for Individual Artists Overview](https://www.ecrac.org/grants-available/individual-artists) - [ECRAC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Common/LogOn.aspx?eqs=3RmDWZBndDIalUO9ekAyWA2) - [Essential Artist Award Application (PDF)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/FY24-25%20Essential%20Artist%20Award%20Application_0.pdf) - [Budget Template - Essential Artist Award (Excel)](https://www.ecrac.org/sites/default/files/Budget%20Template%20-%20Essential%20Artist%20Award.xlsx) - [ECRAC Grant Portal Tutorial (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=21&v=etScRJXC2bE) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|-------------------------------|---------------| | ECRAC Grant Support | [grantinfo@ecrac.org](mailto:grantinfo@ecrac.org) | (320) 336-0200 | ---

ECRAC Essential Artist Award

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