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

April 15, 2026 (Biennial nominations)

$5,000 honorarium to a single artist; awarded every other year

Biennial award recognizing an individual artist for significant, peer-recognized contributions to the arts in the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) region.

--- ## Description The Prairie Star Award is a biennial honor presented to an individual artist whose body of work demonstrates outstanding quality and has made a lasting, significant contribution to the arts within the SMAC region. The award highlights artists who are recognized by their peers and whose work elevates the profile of the arts both in their local communities and across the region. The recipient receives a $5,000 honorarium and public recognition. --- ## Due Dates - Nomination deadline: April 15, 2026 - Award cycle: Every other year (biennial) - SMAC Board review of nominations: April 28, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - $5,000 honorarium to the selected artist - One award is given every two years --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must be an individual artist (not an organization or group) - Must have a significant body of work with a substantial impact on the arts over an extended period - Must be recognized by artistic peers for excellence - Must reside and work within the SMAC region (Southwest Minnesota Arts Council service area) - Award is intended for artists who have raised the profile of the arts in their community and region --- ## Application Process - Nominations are submitted online through the SMAC grant system [Log in to the nomination portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=SMAHC) - Review the [Nomination Guidelines & Questions (FY26)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-PS-Guidelines-Questions.docx) to prepare your submission - A [video tutorial for the online grant system](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991) is available - Nominations are reviewed and decided upon by the SMAC Board --- ## Additional Information - The Prairie Star Award is presented publicly to enhance the visibility of the arts and celebrate the achievements of artists in Southwest Minnesota. - Past recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines, including visual arts, literature, music, and more. - For a list of past awardees, visit the [Prairie Star Award page](https://swmnarts.org/prairie-star-award/). --- ## External Links - [Prairie Star Award Information](https://swmnarts.org/prairie-star-award/) - [Nomination Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=SMAHC) - [Nomination Guidelines & Questions (FY26)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-PS-Guidelines-Questions.docx) - [SMAC Special Awards Overview](https://swmnarts.org/special-awards/) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) - [SMAC Arts Resources](https://swmnarts.org/arts-resources/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Link or Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [SMAC Contact Form](https://swmnarts.org/contact-us/) | | Funder (McKnight) | [McKnight Foundation Contact](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | | Phone (McKnight) | +1 612-333-4220 | ---

Prairie Star Award - McKnight Foundation

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