Regional Arts Councils
Regional Arts Councils supports Minnesota’s individual artists through grants for artistic work, career development, and technical skills to encourage local arts and cultural activity statewide.
Funder: McKnight Foundation
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Arrowhead Emergency Relief) | November 1, 2026 (Region 2 Fellowship) | November 15, 2026 (Region 2 Arts Access) | January 15, 2027 (Northwest Individual Artist) | February 1, 2027 (East Central arts grants)
Funding Amounts: Northwest Individual Artist Grants: $1,500, $3,000, or $5,000; Arrowhead Emergency Relief: $500 or $1,000
Summary: McKnight supports individual artists and artist-centered activities through Minnesota’s 11 Regional Arts Councils.
Key Information: Northwest Individual Artist applicants must have lived in the region for one year and remain throughout 2027.
Description
The McKnight Foundation funds Minnesota’s 11 Regional Arts Councils, established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1977 to encourage local art and cultural activity throughout the state. Since 2010, the councils have directed all McKnight funding toward individual artists and artist-centered activities. The regional network serves designated counties across Minnesota, supporting artists within its broader purpose of encouraging local arts and culture.
Regional offerings include support for artistic careers, technical skills, and individual artists’ work. Northwest Minnesota’s Individual Artist Grants support performing, visual, media, and creative writing artists, while Lake Region has awarded McKnight-funded Career Development Grants. Five Wings also administers McKnight funds specifically for individual artists in its region. Councils administer other funding alongside McKnight support, including State of Minnesota funds.
