McKnight Dancer Fellowships
McKnight Dancer Fellowships support Minnesota dance artists with unrestricted funding, career development, retreats, and solo commissions to advance their artistry and pursue new work.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: September 9, 2026 (Intent to Apply) | March 14, 2027 (Final application) | March 24, 2027 (Alternate final deadline in FAQs)
Funding Amounts: Three unrestricted fellowships of $25,000 each annually
Summary: Supports Minnesota dancers beyond early practice with unrestricted funding and professional development to advance their artistry.
Key Information: Applicants need at least eight years of committed dance work outside accredited degree programs.
Description
Funded by the McKnight Foundation, the McKnight Dancer Fellowships recognize Minnesota dance artists beyond the emerging stage who have sustained experience and exceptional artistic accomplishments. The program supports artists living and working in Minnesota or a Native Nation sharing this geography, with an emphasis on artistic excellence across a substantial body of work and contributions to Minnesota’s creative, cultural, and community fabric.
These are fellowships rather than project grants. Artists choose how to use the unrestricted support, including time for study, reflection, experimentation, exploration, professional opportunities, or new work. Alongside the cash award, fellows receive career development support, an invitation to a four-day rural Minnesota retreat, and an opportunity for an original solo commission presented through SOLO.
