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

May 1, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)

$100,000 award; one artist or culture bearer selected annually

Annual award recognizing a Minnesota-based artist or culture bearer for lifelong, significant contributions to the arts.

--- ## Description The McKnight Distinguished Artist Award honors artists and culture bearers who have dedicated their lives to creating art of local, regional, and national significance while making Minnesota their home. The award celebrates individuals whose work demonstrates artistic excellence, unique perspective, and a lifelong commitment to enriching Minnesota’s cultural landscape. Recipients are recognized for inspiring others, contributing to the growth of arts organizations, and earning acclaim from audiences, patrons, and peers. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Nomination submission deadline (nominations received by this date will be considered for the current year’s award cycle) Nominations submitted after May 1 will automatically be reviewed for the following year. --- ## Funding Amount - $100,000 unrestricted award to a single artist or culture bearer each year - Only one recipient is selected annually --- ## Eligibility - Open to artists and culture bearers who have made Minnesota their home. - Nominees must have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to creating art of local, regional, or national significance. - The award recognizes individuals whose contributions have enriched Minnesota’s cultural life. - Both self-nominations and nominations by others are accepted. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted via the [online nomination form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7CEkYIF3aM4jff3pt3H53Pp1o3uoqq82Bo1nma0MDs811RQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104494781192786595680). - Nominations received by May 1, 2026, will be considered for the 2026 award cycle. - Nominations submitted after the deadline are automatically considered for the following year. - The selection process is managed by the McKnight Foundation, and one recipient is chosen annually. --- ## Additional Information - Since 1998, the award has recognized 28 artists and culture bearers. - The award is unrestricted and can be used at the recipient’s discretion. - Past recipients include writers, visual artists, performers, and arts leaders. --- ## External Links - [McKnight Distinguished Artist Award Program Page](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-distinguished-artist-award/) - [Nomination Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7CEkYIF3aM4jff3pt3H53Pp1o3uoqq82Bo1nma0MDs811RQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104494781192786595680) - [Meet Past Awardees](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-distinguished-artist-award/meet-the-awardees/) - [Funding FAQ](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/) --- ## Contact Information | Method | Details | |-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Website | [https://www.mcknight.org](https://www.mcknight.org) | | Phone | +1 612-333-4220 | | Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | ---

McKnight Distinguished Artist Award

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