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

October 2026

Two grants of $5,000 each; award period is typically January–November.

Supports Minnesota-based mid-career public artists with funding for professional development activities that advance their careers.

Forecasted grant; dates and details may shift—check the program page for updates.

--- ## Description This grant program provides financial support to Minnesota-based mid-career artists working in the public art field who seek to expand or advance their careers. The funding is flexible and can be used for a variety of professional development activities, such as residencies, apprenticeships, conferences, travel, study, skill development, or the creation of project models or prototypes—so long as these activities contribute to the artist’s growth in public art. The program emphasizes diversity across race, culture, gender, artistic discipline, and geography, aiming to reflect Minnesota’s rich artistic landscape. Projects must focus on the artist’s own development and community impact, not on commission or client-based work. Public art is broadly defined as artwork in the public realm that is free and accessible to the community. --- ## Due Dates - **October 2026** (anticipated full application / Submittable submission deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Two grants of $5,000 each** are awarded annually. - Grant-funded period typically runs from January 1 to November 30 of the following year. - Funding is intended for professional development, not for commission or client-based work. --- ## Eligibility - Must be a **mid-career artist** (at least 10 years of active artistic practice, established reputation, and a significant body of work; age is not a factor). - Must be **based in Minnesota** and have physically lived in the state for at least 12 of the past 24 months; residency must be maintained throughout the project period. - Only one application per artist per annual cycle. - Projects must be original (no remounts, reinstallations, or ongoing projects). - No ticket sales or fees; all funded activities must be freely accessible. - Not open to organizations, Forecast Public Art staff/board/jury, or students currently enrolled in K-12 or degree programs. - Artists are not eligible for a project grant from Forecast in two consecutive years. - Previous grantees must have completed and submitted all final reports. --- ## Application Process - **Apply online via Submittable:** [https://forecastpublicart.submittable.com/submit](https://forecastpublicart.submittable.com/submit) - Required materials include: - Application overview (75 words max) - Proposal narrative (500 words max) - Statements on community benefit, impact on artistic development, and diversity of experience (250 words each) - Resume (2 pages max per artist; for teams, each member submits a resume) - Work samples (up to 10 images, 5 minutes of video/audio, or 5 written pages; see detailed guidelines) - Work sample information (title, year, medium, location, etc.) - Video applications are accepted. - Selection is based on proposal quality, artist development potential, community benefit, and quality of work samples. --- ## Additional Information - The program is administered by Forecast Public Art with funding from the McKnight Foundation. - Strong emphasis on equity and inclusion—artists from BIPOC, Native, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, rural, and disability communities are especially encouraged to apply. - Visit [Forecast’s grants page](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/artist-grant-program/) for FAQs and resources, including grant writing tips and past grantee profiles. - Only one Forecast grant application may be submitted per cycle. --- ## External Links - [Program Information & Guidelines](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/mid-career-professional-development-grant/) - [Online Application Portal (Submittable)](https://forecastpublicart.submittable.com/submit) - [Forecast Public Art – Public Artist Grants Overview](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/artist-grant-program/) - [Grant Writing Tips (PDF)](https://forecastpublicart.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/GrantWritingTips_2018.pdf) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |------------------------|----------------------------------|------------------|--------------------------------------| | Forecast Grants Team | jenk@forecastpublicart.org | (651) 641-1128 | 2380 Wycliff Street, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55114 | | General Inquiries | info@forecastpublicart.org | | | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 | 710 South 2nd Street, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401, USA | ---

Mid-Career Professional Development Grant

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