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

January 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

$3,500 per award; artists may receive up to $5,000 in their lifetime

Supports and recognizes outstanding individual artists residing in Minnesota's Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties).

Applicants must be residents of eligible counties for at least six months and either U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

--- ## Description This award program, funded by the [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org), is designed to recognize, celebrate, and support exceptional artists at various stages of their careers who reside in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties in Minnesota (Region 7W). The goal is to foster continued creative growth and artistic achievement within the region. Artists from all disciplines—including visual, literary, performing, and interdisciplinary arts—are encouraged to apply. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027 (Full application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $3,500 per award. - Artists may receive up to $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards in their lifetime. --- ## Eligibility - Must be a self-identified artist at least 18 years old. - Must 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. - Must be either a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status. - Artists who have already received $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards from this program are not eligible. - Applicants with overdue final reports for any Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) grants are ineligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online through the [Central MN Arts Board grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) by 11:59 pm on the deadline date. - First-time applicants must create an account using a current email address. - Required materials include: - Completed application form - Work samples (created within the last five years) specific to the applicant’s discipline (visual, literary, performance, etc.) - Artist statement and description of artistic process/technique - Detailed guidelines and application tips are available on the [program page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/grants-for-individuals/). - Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed. --- ## Additional Information - Work samples must not violate copyright and should best demonstrate the applicant’s abilities. - Applications are scored on artistic merit and quality; a minimum average score of 15 out of 30 is required to be considered for funding. - Award recipients 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. - Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with specific needs (contact CMAB at least 10 working days in advance). --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FY26_IAA_Guidelines.pdf) - [Program Page & Application Portal](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/grants-for-individuals/) - [Grant Portal (Apply/Login)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard) - [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 | |---------------------|--------------------|--------------------------------------------|-------------------| | 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) | | ---

Individual Artist Award

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