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

October 2026 (Application deadline, annual)

Five grants of $10,000 each; project period: January–November

Supports Minnesota-based mid-career artists to create new, publicly accessible public art projects that foster innovation and professional growth.

Applications are expected to open annually; only one Forecast grant per artist per cycle.

--- ## Description This opportunity provides funding for mid-career artists based in Minnesota to develop and realize new, publicly accessible public art projects—either temporary or permanent—anywhere in the state. The grant aims to encourage innovation, artistic risk-taking, and advancement of practice in the field of public art. In addition to financial support, grantees receive professional development, networking, and consulting from Forecast Public Art staff to help address project challenges and further their careers. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated next application deadline:** October 2026 - **Annual cycle:** Applications are typically due in late October each year - **Project period:** January–November following the application cycle *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Five grants of $10,000 each are awarded annually. - Funds support the creation of new, original public art projects. - Project period spans January through November of the grant year. --- ## Eligibility - **Artist Status:** Applicants must be mid-career public artists, defined as artists with at least 10 years of active practice and a recognized body of work. Mid-career is based on years of generative experience, not age. - **Residency:** Must be based in Minnesota, having lived in the state for at least 12 of the past 24 months, and remain a resident during the project period. - **Project Requirements:** - Projects must be original, artist-initiated, and not remounts or continuations of prior work. - Must be freely accessible to the public (no ticket sales or fees). - Written documentation of site approval is required. - Projects cannot be private commissions or client-based work. - **Other Restrictions:** - Only individuals (not organizations or students) may apply. - Only one Forecast grant application per artist per annual cycle. - Previous grantees with outstanding final reports are ineligible. - Cannot receive a project grant in two consecutive years. --- ## Application Process - **Application Portal:** All applications must be submitted via the [Forecast Public Art Submittable platform](https://forecastpublicart.submittable.com/submit). - **Application Materials:** - Brief project overview (75 words) - Detailed project proposal (500 words) - Community connection and benefit statement (250 words) - Mid-career status statement (250 words) - Impact on career development (250 words) - Diversity of lived experience and perspective (250 words) - Resume (2 pages max; one per team member if collaborative) - Written documentation of site approval - Project budget (including documentation of committed support) - Work samples (up to 10 images or equivalent media; see detailed requirements) - **Selection Criteria:** - Quality and clarity of proposal - Value of the project to the artist’s development - Community benefit - Quality of work samples - **Professional Support:** Grantees receive professional development, peer networking, and consulting from Forecast Public Art staff throughout the project period. --- ## Additional Information - Projects may be additionally supported by public or nonprofit agencies or through in-kind sources, but not private commissions. - Forecast emphasizes equity and encourages applications from BIPOC, Native, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, rural, and disabled artists. - All events and installations must be free and accessible to the public. - For more details on eligibility, selection criteria, and FAQs, visit the [Forecast Public Art Artist Grant Program page](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/artist-grant-program/). --- ## External Links - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) - [Forecast Public Art – Artist Grant Program](https://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/artist-grant-program/) - [Mid-Career Project Grant Details](http://forecastpublicart.org/artist-support/mid-career-project-grant/) - [Application Portal (Submittable)](https://forecastpublicart.submittable.com/submit) - [Grant Writing Tips (PDF)](http://forecastpublicart.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/GrantWritingTips_2018.pdf) - [YouTube: Info Session for Forecast’s Public Artist Grants](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKdBYEf5DI8) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |------------------------|------------------------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------| | Jen Krava, Director of Learning, Grants and Research | jenk@forecastpublicart.org | (651) 641-1128 | 2380 Wycliff Street, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55114 | - General inquiries: [info@forecastpublicart.org](mailto:info@forecastpublicart.org) - [Contact form](https://forecastpublicart.org/contact/) ---

Mid-Career Project Grant - McKnight Foundation

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