McKnight Dancer Fellowships
The McKnight Dancer Fellowships support experienced Minnesota dancers with unrestricted funding, career development, and creative opportunities to advance their artistic practice.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 (Intent to Apply) | February 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Three fellowships of $25,000 each; unrestricted funding; awarded annually.
Summary: Unrestricted fellowships supporting established Minnesota dancers with funding, career development, and creative opportunities.
Description
The McKnight Dancer Fellowships recognize and support Minnesota-based dancers who have moved beyond the early stages of their careers and have demonstrated sustained experience and exceptional accomplishments in their field. Each year, three unrestricted fellowships of $25,000 are awarded. The fellowship enables recipients to dedicate time to study, reflection, experimentation, or to pursue new opportunities and projects without restrictions on how the funds are used.
In addition to the financial award, fellows receive:
- Career development support,
- An invitation to a four-day retreat in rural Minnesota,
- The opportunity to commission an original solo work for a special event,
- Additional networking and residency opportunities.
The goal is to foster the continued growth and vitality of Minnesota's dance community by supporting artists who contribute meaningfully to the state’s cultural fabric.
