McKnight Composer Fellowships
Forecasted
McKnight Composer Fellowships support Minnesota music creators and culture bearers through unrestricted artistic support, professional development, and performances to sustain work benefiting Minnesotans.
This grant was recently updated
Applications are now closed; the funder replaced the October 12, 2026 deadline notice with a closure notice and removed the application link.
Funder: American Composers Forum
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Online application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Four $25,000 unrestricted fellowships, plus up to $3,000 for development and $1,500 for performance support
Summary: Supports Minnesota music creators and culture bearers beyond early practice whose sustained creative work benefits people in Minnesota.
Key Information: Applicants must maintain Minnesota residency for at least one year before applying and throughout the fellowship year.
Description
American Composers Forum (ACF), with support from the McKnight Foundation, administers fellowships recognizing Minnesota music creators and culture bearers who are beyond emerging and have sustained experience in their practice. The program supports continuing artistic work through unrestricted funding, professional development, performance support, and consultation and resources from ACF and Springboard for the Arts.
Fellows demonstrate achievement, commitment, and high-level proficiency in practices that contribute to their field and benefit people in Minnesota. ACF welcomes the full range of musical approaches and perspectives. “Culture bearer” includes creative leaders from cultures that do not use the word “artist,” as well as practitioners focused on transmitting and preserving cultural lifeways.
