Mid-Career Professional Development Grant
Mid-Career Professional Development Grant supports Minnesota mid-career artists with idea development and professional learning to deepen their practice and advance their careers in public art.
Funder: Forecast Public Art
Due Dates: August 13, 2026 (Applications open) | October 18, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT (Application deadline) | November 30, 2027 (Final report)
Funding Amounts: Two grants of $5,000 each for January 1–November 30, 2027
Summary: Supports Minnesota-based mid-career artists developing ideas and pursuing professional learning to advance their public art careers.
Key Information: Applicants must have actively created and exhibited work for at least ten years and meet Minnesota residency requirements.
Description
Forecast Public Art administers this grant with funding from the McKnight Foundation to help mid-career artists expand their careers in public art. Supported activities include developing project ideas, residencies, apprenticeships, conferences, travel, study, skill development, and creating models or prototypes. Artists may also develop proposals for public or nonprofit agencies, but commissions and client-based work are ineligible.
The program seeks artistic development, innovation, deepened practice, and new growth. Forecast defines public art broadly: temporary or permanent work in the public realm, including murals, sculpture, performance, storytelling, sound, light, dance, and spoken word. Public art must be free and accessible to the community, whether located on public or private property. Community benefits may include enjoyment, beautification, civic engagement, meeting a need, or meaningful collaboration.
