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

January 2027 (References completion) | February 2027 (Full application)

$2,000 per scholarship; individuals may receive up to four scholarships in their lifetime.

Supports Minnesota Region 7W residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree in the arts with direct educational expense funding.

Applicants must reside in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County, MN.

--- ## Description This scholarship provides $2,000 to individuals residing in Minnesota's Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright counties) who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field. Funds are intended for direct educational expenses, including tuition, room and board, and books, and are paid directly to the institution. Applicants may apply annually and receive the award up to four times over their lifetime. The program aims to support the development of emerging artists in the region and foster arts education. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027 (anticipated): References completion deadline - February 2027 (anticipated): Full application deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $2,000 per scholarship. - Individuals may apply each year and receive a maximum of four scholarships in their lifetime. - Funds are paid directly to the educational institution and may be used for tuition, room and board, or books. --- ## Eligibility - **Residency:** Must be a current Minnesota resident of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County (Region 7W) for at least six months prior to application and must maintain residence during the scholarship period. - **Education status:** Must be seeking a first undergraduate degree in an arts-related field at an accredited institution (may attend college/university anywhere). - **Enrollment:** Must plan to attend full-time. - **Citizenship:** Open to U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens. - **Previous awards:** May receive up to four Student Arts Scholarships in a lifetime. - **Not eligible:** Individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree, do not maintain Region 7W residency, have overdue CMAB grant reports, or have already received four scholarships. --- ## Application Process - **Online application:** Submit through the [Central Minnesota Arts Board grants portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=centralmnartsboard). - **Required materials:** - Most recent high school or unofficial college transcript - Artist work samples with descriptions (see guidelines for discipline-specific requirements) - Three references (non-family, submitted directly via the online system) - **Reference deadline:** References must be completed by the anticipated January deadline. - **Other requirements:** - Complete all application sections, including artistic statement, educational goals, and intended institution details. - Applicants under 18 must provide parent/guardian information and signature. - **Review:** Applications are scored on artistic merit/quality and applicant ability; minimum average score of 15/30 required for funding. --- ## Additional Information - The scholarship is funded by the Minnesota State General Fund and administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board. - Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with accessibility needs (contact the board at least 10 days in advance). - Applications received after the deadline or missing required reference forms are ineligible. - The Central Minnesota Arts Board may use submitted art samples for promotional purposes (artist retains copyright). - Appeals are limited to process or equity concerns, not artistic or merit judgments. --- ## External Links - [Program page and application portal](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/grants/for-artists/student-art-scholarship/) - [Current program guidelines (PDF)](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/FY26_StudentArtScholarship_Guidelines.pdf) - [Applicant tutorial video](https://youtu.be/rQ8z7agUGWc?si=lJjupfhJ_sQN1kKz) - [Central Minnesota Arts Board contact page](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org/contact) - [Funder homepage: McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Email | Phone | Website | |------------------------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Central Minnesota Arts Board | media@centralmnartsboard.org | 320-968-4290 or 1-866-825-1471 | [https://www.centralmnartsboard.org](https://www.centralmnartsboard.org) | | McKnight Foundation (funder) | [Contact form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | +1 612-333-4220 | [https://www.mcknight.org](https://www.mcknight.org) |

Student Arts Scholarship

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