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

January 2027

$3,500 per award; lifetime maximum $5,000 per artist

Recognizes and supports outstanding artists in Minnesota’s Region 7W to encourage continued creative growth.

Only artists residing in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties are eligible.

--- ## Description The Individual Artist Award, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board, provides direct support and recognition to exceptional artists living in Minnesota’s Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties). The program aims to celebrate artistic achievement and foster continued creative growth for artists working in any discipline or medium, including visual arts, literature, music, dance, theater, and more. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027 (anticipated full application deadline) *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 up to $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards in their lifetime. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all of the following criteria: - Be a self-identified artist at least 18 years of age. - Be a current resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, Minnesota, and have lived in Minnesota for at least six months prior to applying. - Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien. - Have not previously received $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards from the program (lifetime cap). - Not have any overdue final reports for prior Central Minnesota Arts Board grants. Artists working in any discipline or medium are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to visual, literary, performance, and interdisciplinary arts. --- ## Application Process 1. **Create an Account:** Register on the [Central MN Arts Board grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). 2. **Prepare Materials:** Submit a completed application including: - Work samples (images, video, audio, or written material as appropriate to your discipline) - Artist statement and description of artistic process - Responses to all required questions in the application form 3. **Submission:** Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on the deadline date. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 4. **Review:** Applications are scored on artistic merit and quality, with a minimum average score of 15 out of 30 required for funding consideration. 5. **Notification:** All applicants will be notified of the decision in writing. *Accessibility: The Board will make reasonable efforts to accommodate applicants with disabilities or language needs. Contact the office at least 10 days in advance for assistance.* --- ## Additional Information - Work samples must have been created within the past five years and must not violate copyright. - Awardees must sign a grant contract within 30 days of notification and submit a final report by the specified deadline to remain eligible for future funding. - The Central Minnesota Arts Board reserves the right to use submitted art samples for promotional purposes (artists retain full copyright). - Applications are open to artists across all disciplines and career stages. - For more details, consult the [FY26 Individual Artist Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FY26_IAA_Guidelines.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/grants-for-individuals/) - [Apply / Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [Applicant Tutorial (YouTube)](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/grants-for-individuals/) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |-------------------|---------------------|--------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Central MN Arts Board | General Inquiries | [media@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:media@centralmnartsboard.org) | 320-968-4290 / 1-866-825-1471 | | Leslie Hanlon | Executive Director | [leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Kaitlin Pohland | Grant Manager | [kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:kaitlin@centralmnartsboard.org) | | | Su Legatt | Program Officer | [Su@centralmnartsboard.org](mailto:Su@centralmnartsboard.org) | | [Contact Form](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact/contact-form-page/) ---

Individual Artist Award

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