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

May 1, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)

$100,000 award; one recipient annually

Recognizes Minnesota-based artists and culture bearers for lifelong, significant contributions to the arts and cultural life of the state.

--- ## Description The McKnight Distinguished Artist Award honors artists and culture bearers who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to creating art that is significant on a local, regional, or national level. Recipients are individuals who have chosen to live and work in Minnesota, enriching the state's cultural landscape through their creative perspectives. In addition to producing outstanding art, awardees have inspired others, earned recognition from audiences and peers, and often helped to establish or strengthen arts organizations in the community. --- ## Due Dates - May 1, 2026: Nomination submission deadline — nominations received by this date will be considered for the current year’s award cycle. Nominations received after this date will be considered for the following year. --- ## Funding Amount - The award is $100,000. - One artist or culture bearer is selected each year. --- ## Eligibility - Nominees must be artists or culture bearers who have made a lifelong commitment to creating art that is locally, regionally, and/or nationally significant. - Nominees must have chosen to make their lives and careers in Minnesota. - The award is intended for individuals whose work has enriched Minnesota’s cultural life, inspired others, and earned recognition from audiences, patrons, critics, and arts professionals. - Past recipients have often contributed to the founding or strengthening of arts organizations in Minnesota. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted by May 1, 2026, to be considered for the current award cycle. - Anyone can nominate an artist or culture bearer using the online nomination form provided by the McKnight Foundation. - Required nomination materials include: - Nominator’s full name, email, and phone number - Nominee’s full name, email, phone number, and address (work or home) - Nominee’s website (if applicable) - A detailed statement describing the nominee’s contributions to the community as an artist (up to 6000 characters) - A summary of awards, accolades, or notable projects (up to 6000 characters) - A brief description of how the nominator knows the artist and for how long (1–2 sentences) - Any additional information relevant to the panel’s review - [Nomination Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7CEkYIF3aM4jff3pt3H53Pp1o3uoqq82Bo1nma0MDs811RQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104494781192786595680) --- ## Additional Information - Only one recipient is selected each year. - The award recognizes both artistic excellence and community impact over a lifetime. - Nominations submitted after the deadline will automatically be reviewed for the following year. --- ## External Links - [McKnight Distinguished Artist Award Program Page](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-distinguished-artist-award/) - [Meet Past Awardees](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/the-mcknight-distinguished-artist-award/meet-the-awardees/) - [Nomination Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7CEkYIF3aM4jff3pt3H53Pp1o3uoqq82Bo1nma0MDs811RQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104494781192786595680) - [Sample Nomination Form (PDF)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/McKnight-Foundation-DAA-SlideRoom-SampleForm.pdf) - [McKnight Foundation Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Phone | +1 612-333-4220 | | Address | 710 South 2nd Street, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401 | | Contact Web | [Contact McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) |

McKnight Distinguished Artist Award

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