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

October 2025 (Anticipated application deadline)

Unrestricted fellowships of $25,000 each; typically 4 awarded annually.

Supports mid-career Minnesota-based music creators and culture bearers with unrestricted funding to advance their artistic practice.

--- ## Description The McKnight Composer Fellowships are designed to recognize and support outstanding mid-career music creators and culture bearers residing in Minnesota. Administered by the American Composers Forum and funded by the McKnight Foundation, these fellowships provide unrestricted awards to artists who have demonstrated significant achievement and commitment to their creative practice. The program honors both artists and culture bearers, including those who play vital roles in the preservation and transmission of cultural lifeways, even if they do not identify with the term "artist." The fellowship values diversity in creative methodology, gender, race, ethnicity, and geography, and seeks to support a wide range of musical approaches and perspectives. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated application deadline: October 2025 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Unrestricted fellowships of $25,000 each - Typically, four fellowships are awarded annually --- ## Eligibility - Open to mid-career music creators and culture bearers who are residents of Minnesota. - Applicants must demonstrate a record of achievement and commitment to their creative practice. - Both individual artists and creative leaders from communities that may not use the term "artist" are eligible, provided they play a significant role in cultural transmission or preservation. - The program encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, musical styles, and geographic regions within Minnesota. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the American Composers Forum. - The process typically includes a written application, work samples, and references. - Selection is made by a panel of artists and culture bearers familiar with a broad range of musical traditions and creative practices. - For full details and to access the application portal, visit the [program page](https://composersforum.org/programs/mcknight-composer-fellowships). --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship is unrestricted, providing recipients with flexibility to use the funds in ways that best support their artistic growth. - The program intentionally supports a broad spectrum of musical voices and encourages applicants from underrepresented communities. --- ## External Links - [McKnight Composer Fellowships program page](https://composersforum.org/programs/mcknight-composer-fellowships) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org/) - [American Composers Forum](https://composersforum.org/) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Contact Details | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | American Composers Forum | Email: acoffin@composersforum.org
Phone: 651-251-2842 | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact page](https://www.mcknight.org/contact-us/) |

McKnight Composer Fellowships - McKnight Foundation

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