Public Art Grants
The McKnight Foundation Public Art Grants fund large-scale, lasting public art projects that promote arts access and community impact across southwest Minnesota.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: November 4, 2026 (Request draft review, Round 1) | November 18, 2026 (Full application, Round 1) | February 24, 2027 (Request draft review, Round 2, if funds remain) | March 10, 2027 (Full application, Round 2, if funds remain)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000 per project; 20% cash match required; maximum $20,000 per organization per fiscal year.
Summary: Supports large-scale physical public art projects that create a lasting arts legacy and sustainable arts access in southwest Minnesota.
Key Information: Applicants must be nonprofits or government entities in 18 SW Minnesota counties or 2 tribal nations; fiscal sponsorship allowed for non-501(c)(3) groups.
Description
This program funds organizations, cities, counties, and tribal governments to undertake large-scale physical public art projects in the southwest Minnesota region. Supported by the McKnight Foundation and administered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), the grant aims to create sustainable arts access and a long-term arts legacy in local communities. Projects should result in a tangible, lasting impact on public spaces and be accessible and inclusive.
