McKnight Composer Fellowships
The McKnight Composer Fellowship supports accomplished mid-career Minnesota music creators and culture bearers with funding, residencies, and professional resources.
Funder: American Composers Forum
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026: Online application deadline (projected) | December 2026: 24-hour grace period final submission deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Four fellowships of $25,000 (unrestricted), plus up to $3,500 for works-in-progress and additional residency/professional support.
Summary: Supports mid-career Minnesota-based music creators and culture bearers with unrestricted fellowships and professional resources.
Key Information: Minnesota residency and mid-career status required; five-year cooling-off period for past fellows.
Description
The fellowship recognizes and supports mid-career Minnesota music creators and culture bearers who have demonstrated sustained achievement, commitment, and high-level proficiency in their artistic or cultural practice. The program is open to those who may not identify strictly as composers or artists, including individuals engaged in the transmission and preservation of cultural lifeways. Each year, four fellows are selected to receive unrestricted funding, opportunities for professional consultation, support for works-in-progress, and access to artist residencies. The award is administered by the American Composers Forum with funding from the McKnight Foundation.
