Public Art Grants - McKnight Foundation
Public Art Grants - McKnight Foundation support southwest Minnesota organizations and government units creating large-scale physical art that gives communities lasting, accessible ways to experience the arts.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: November 4, 2026 (Round 1 draft review request) | November 18, 2026 (Round 1 application) | February 24, 2027 (Round 2 draft review request, if funds remain) | March 10, 2027 (Round 2 application, if funds remain)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000; 20% cash match required
Summary: Supports large-scale physical public art that creates lasting community access to the arts in southwest Minnesota.
Key Information: Applicants must be based in the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council’s 18-county service region or its two named tribal nations.
Description
Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) administers Public Art Grants for organizations and government units creating large-scale physical artwork in southwest Minnesota. Projects are intended to leave an arts legacy: the resulting work should remain part of community life and provide sustainable access to the arts over several years. FY2027 program funding comes through a Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund appropriation.
Applicants describe the artwork’s location, artistic vision, community involvement, accessibility, and expected impact. The application also asks how the work will provide access over the next five years and how it will be maintained. Organizations may seek a separate Quick Support for Organizations grant for preliminary public-art planning.
