Prairie Disciple Award
Prairie Disciple Award supports arts advocates and supporters through an award honoring substantial, sustained contributions to the arts and recognizing their service to southwest Minnesota communities.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: April 15, 2027 (Nomination deadline) | April 27, 2027 (SMAC Board action)
Funding Amounts: $1,000 award
Summary: Recognizes arts supporters and advocates for substantial, sustained community contributions to the arts in southwest Minnesota.
Key Information: No self-nominations; nominees must have resided in the SMAC region for at least one year.
Description
The Prairie Disciple Award, funded by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), honors an arts supporter or advocate whose substantial community contributions to the arts in southwest Minnesota have developed over an extended period. It recognizes sustained service rather than funding a specified research study or project.
Every other year, the award has a special focus on arts educators. For 2027, nominations are open to all types of arts supporters. Selection emphasizes a documented history of arts support and advocacy in the SMAC region, alongside recognition from community members and arts professionals. The award’s published recipient history extends back to 1995 and includes honorees from communities throughout southwest Minnesota.
