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

April 15, 2026 (Prairie Star Award nomination deadline)

$5,000 one-time award; presented biennially (every other year) to one artist

Honors an individual artist with a significant, lasting impact on the arts in the SMAC region.

--- ## Description The Prairie Star Award, supported by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), is a biennial recognition for an individual artist whose body of work has made a substantial and lasting contribution to the arts within the SMAC region. This award celebrates artists who exemplify the highest quality of artistic achievement and have earned the respect of their peers. By highlighting these artists, the program aims to elevate the visibility and appreciation of the arts throughout the region. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Prairie Star Award nomination deadline (submit nominations through SMAC online grant system) --- ## Funding Amount - Award amount: $5,000 (one-time, unrestricted) - Frequency: Biennial (every other year) - Only one artist is selected per cycle --- ## Eligibility - **Nominee must be an individual artist** whose primary residence is within the SMAC (Southwest Minnesota Arts Council) region. - Open to artists across all disciplines (e.g., visual, literary, performing, traditional arts). - Nominees must have a significant body of work and a record of sustained artistic excellence. - The award is intended for artists who have been recognized by their peers and have contributed meaningfully to the arts in the region. - Past recipients are not eligible for repeat awards. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted online through the [SMAC grant system](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=SMAHC). - Anyone may nominate an eligible artist; self-nominations are not typically accepted. - Review the [Nomination Guidelines & Questions](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-PS-Guidelines-Questions.docx) to prepare your submission. - A video tutorial for the online system is available [here](https://youtu.be/0K0ByI5bvlY). - Nominations are evaluated by the SMAC Board, with award decisions announced after the board meeting in late April. --- ## Additional Information - The Prairie Star Award is distinct from the annual Prairie Disciple Award, which recognizes arts advocates. - The award aims to raise the profile of outstanding artists within the community and region. - For a list of past recipients and more program details, visit the [Prairie Star Award page](https://swmnarts.org/prairie-star-award/). --- ## External Links - [Prairie Star Award program information](https://swmnarts.org/prairie-star-award/) - [SMAC Special Awards overview](https://swmnarts.org/special-awards/) - [Online grant system (nomination submission)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=SMAHC) - [Nomination Guidelines & Questions (Word doc)](https://swmnarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY26-PS-Guidelines-Questions.docx) - [Video tutorial for online grant system](https://youtu.be/0K0ByI5bvlY) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Website | Phone | Contact Page | |------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Southwest Minnesota Arts Council | [swmnarts.org](https://swmnarts.org) | (507) 537-1471 | [Contact SMAC](https://swmnarts.org/contact-us/) | | McKnight Foundation | [mcknight.org](https://www.mcknight.org) | +1 612-333-4220 | [Contact McKnight](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | ---

Prairie Star Award - McKnight Foundation

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