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

Up to $700 per student; up to 20 awards annually; $75 reimbursement for materials/supplies.

Supports students in grades 8–12 in Minnesota’s LRAC region to pursue one-on-one mentorships or arts programs with professional artists in any discipline.

Open only to students residing in the LRAC 9-county region; audition required.

--- ## Description The Arts Mentorship Program provides a unique opportunity for students in grades 8–12 living in the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) nine-county region of Minnesota to develop their artistic skills through one-on-one mentorships with professional artists or participation in Minnesota-based workshops, residencies, or summer arts camps. The program is inclusive of all artistic disciplines, including visual arts, dance, creative writing, drama, music, design, and media arts. Up to 20 scholarships are awarded annually, each valued at $700, based on commitment, potential for artistic growth, and equitable access. Selected students receive 15 hours of personalized instruction and are required to participate in an audition and showcase their work at the end of the program. --- ## Due Dates - January 19, 2025: Application deadline (online submission) for FY25 Arts Mentorship Program - May 17, 2025: Deadline for submission of Arts Mentorship Program Contract and Mentorship Goals & Lesson Schedule Form (FY25) — signed by Mentor, Parent and Student - May 24, 2025: Alternate deadline for submission of Arts Mentorship Program Contract and Mentorship Goals & Lesson Schedule Form (FY25) - October 1, 2025: Deadline for submission of Mentor and Student Final Reports and Mentorship Reimbursement form (FY25) - October 21, 2025: Deadline to submit Reimbursement Request form (FY25) — reimbursements will not be accepted after this date - February 9, 2026: Application deadline (online submission) for FY26 Arts Mentorship Program - May 18, 2026: Deadline for submission of Arts Mentorship Program Contract and Mentorship Goals & Lesson Schedule Form (FY26) - May 25, 2026: Alternate deadline for submission of Arts Mentorship Program Contract and Mentorship Goals & Lesson Schedule Form (FY26) - September 14, 2026: Deadline for submission of Mentor and Student Final Reports and Mentorship Reimbursement form (FY26) - October 14, 2026: Final cutoff date for Reimbursement Request forms (FY26) --- ## Funding Amount - Each scholarship award is valued at $700. - Up to 20 students are selected annually. - An additional reimbursement of up to $75 is available for mentorship materials and supplies (travel not included). - Funding covers 15 hours of one-on-one mentorship or attendance at an approved Minnesota-based arts camp, workshop, or residency. --- ## Eligibility - Students must be in grades 8–12 and attend a public, private, or home school. - Applicants must reside in the LRAC nine-county region: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin. - Students with any level of prior arts training (from none to extensive) are encouraged to apply. - Only one application per student per year; previous awardees may apply again only in a different discipline. - Immediate family members of LRAC board, staff, or contractors are not eligible. - Mentorships cannot be used for lessons or services begun before the grant period, or to study with a previous or current private teacher. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [LRAC grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=lakeregion) by the stated deadlines. - All applicants must participate in an audition, which includes a primary performance or work sample, an arts assignment, and an interview. - Audition dates and assignment details are provided after application submission. - Selected students, their mentors, and parents/guardians must sign and submit required contracts and lesson plans before the mentorship begins. - Final reports and participation in the end-of-program showcase are mandatory. --- ## Additional Information - The program is designed to promote equitable access, supporting students who may face financial, geographic, or other barriers. - Mentors are screened for artistic and educational qualifications and matched to student needs. - Showcase participation is required for all students; accompanist fees and transportation are the responsibility of the student/parent. - All reimbursement forms must be submitted with receipts by the respective deadlines; late submissions are not accepted. --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Guidelines (FY26)](https://lrac4.org/s/AMP-FY26-Guidelines-Revised.pdf) - [Program Details & Guidelines (FY25)](https://steve-henning-asdr.squarespace.com/s/AMP-FY25-Guidelines-Revised.pdf) - [LRAC Arts Mentorship Program Information Page](https://lrac4.org/arts-mentorship-program) - [Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=lakeregion) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Lake Region Arts Council | Monday–Thursday, 9am–3pm; Friday–Sunday CLOSED | | Phone | (888) 735-9622 or (218) 739-5780 | | Email | [lrac4@lracgrants.org](mailto:lrac4@lracgrants.org) | | Address | 133 S. Mill St., Fergus Falls, MN 56537 | | LRAC Website | [https://lrac4.org](https://lrac4.org) | | McKnight Foundation | [Contact Page](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) |

Arts Mentorship Program

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