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

January 2027 (Full application) | May 2027 (Final report)

$3,500 per award; up to $5,000 total lifetime per artist

Supports and recognizes outstanding individual artists in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties (Region 7W, MN) to foster artistic excellence and growth.

Only artists residing in Region 7W Minnesota are eligible; strict residency and lifetime cap rules apply.

--- ## Description This opportunity provides financial support and public recognition for individual artists at various stages of their careers who reside in the Minnesota counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright (Region 7W). The award is intended to foster the continued growth, development, and excellence of artists in the region, regardless of discipline. Funding is provided by the McKnight Foundation through the Central Minnesota Arts Board. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027: Full application submission deadline (anticipated/projected) - May 2027: Final report submission deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $3,500. - Artists may receive a maximum of $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards over their lifetime. --- ## Eligibility - Must be a self-identified artist at least 18 years old. - Must currently reside in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County (Region 7W, MN) and have been a Minnesota resident for at least six months prior to applying. - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. - Artists who have already received $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards are ineligible. - Applicants with overdue final reports on any CMAB grant are not eligible. - All artistic disciplines are encouraged (visual, literary, performing, etc.). --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [CMAB Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). - First-time applicants must create an account; use your last name as the organization name. - Required materials include: - Completed application form - Artist statement and description of artistic process/technique - Work samples (created within the past five years; specifics vary by discipline) - Applications must be complete and submitted before the deadline; late/incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. - Review criteria focus on artistic merit, originality, and quality of work samples. - Awardees must sign a contract within 30 days of notification and submit a final report by the anticipated deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Work samples must adhere to format and size requirements (see [guidelines PDF](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FY26_IAA_Guidelines.pdf)). - The Central Minnesota Arts Board can accommodate accessibility needs (Braille, large print, interpreters, etc.) with advance notice. - Recipients are responsible for any taxes on award funds (IRS Form 1099 issued for $600+). - All review meetings are open to the public. - Appeals are only considered for procedural issues, not for artistic judgment. --- ## External Links - [Program & Guidelines](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/grants-for-individuals/) - [Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Guidelines PDF](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FY26_IAA_Guidelines.pdf) - [Applicant Tutorial Video](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Contact Central MN Arts Board](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org | 320-968-4290 | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | Su@centralmnartsboard.org | 320-968-4290 | | General Inquiries | - | media@centralmnartsboard.org | 1-866-825-1471 | | Central MN Arts Board | - | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) | 320-968-4290 | ---

Individual Artist Award

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