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

January 5, 2026 (Full application/submission deadline, 11:59 p.m. CT)

$25,000 unrestricted award per fellow; includes professional development and additional support

Supports individuals who preserve, practice, and transmit ancestral cultural arts and traditions across generations.

--- ## Description The McKnight Artist Fellowship for Culture Bearers, administered in partnership with Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, recognizes and supports individuals who are dedicated to sustaining, practicing, and passing on ancestral cultural art forms and traditions. The fellowship is designed for culture bearers whose practices are deeply rooted in their cultural and heritage lineages and who are committed to sharing these traditions with youth and their broader communities. The program aims to honor, uplift, and invest in those who reclaim, maintain, and teach sacred and healing traditions, especially within communities experiencing transition or threat. Fellows receive not only an unrestricted financial award, but also professional development, access to a supportive network, and public recognition. --- ## Due Dates - January 5, 2026: Full application/submission deadline (submissions due by 11:59 p.m. CT) - April 2026: Announcement of fellowship recipients --- ## Funding Amount - Each fellow receives a $25,000 unrestricted award. - Additional benefits include: - Professional development opportunities (including a stipend to honor mentors) - Membership in a Minnesota-based network of culture bearers - Access to Indigenous Roots facilities and resources - Public recognition at an honoring ceremony --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet the following requirements: - Be an individual culture bearer who has practiced and passed down cultural knowledge for at least 20 years. - Demonstrate a sustained body of work showing commitment to tradition, knowledge sharing, and artistic excellence. - Have or maintain Minnesota residency for one year prior to application and throughout the fellowship year. - Apply to only one McKnight-supported Artist Fellowship per year. - Not have received a McKnight Artist Fellowship in the past five years (prior recipients must demonstrate growth if reapplying after five years). - Not be staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or Indigenous Roots. - Applicants enrolled in a full-time academic program should contact the organizers for guidance. --- ## Application Process - Prepare your submission, which must include: - A narrative (written, audio, or video) addressing your practice, values, and intergenerational knowledge transmission. - One recommendation from a community elder acknowledging your role as a culture bearer. - One recommendation from a community youth/mentee describing their experience learning from you. - Submission materials are accepted in multiple formats (doc, docx, pdf, mp3, mp4, m4v; max file size: 256 MB). - Submit your application via the [online form](https://form.jotform.com/252756478170162). - The selection process includes peer and community review rounds, with final decisions announced in April 2026. --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship supports a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to healers, makers, drummers, storytellers, dancers, and language keepers. - The award is intended to resource individuals from the cultural and heritage lineage they practice. - Fellows gain access to a broad network and facilities, and are publicly celebrated for their contributions. --- ## External Links - [Program Information and Guidelines](https://iroots-mcknight-culturebearers.org/) - [Application Submission Form](https://form.jotform.com/252756478170162) - [McKnight Foundation Grants Overview](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/) - [McKnight Foundation Funding FAQ](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |---------------------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center | info@indigenous-roots.org | — | [Contact Page](https://iroots-mcknight-culturebearers.org/) | | McKnight Foundation | — | +1 612-333-4220 | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) |

McKnight Artist Fellowship for Culture Bearers

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