Individual Artist Award

The Individual Artist Award is administered by the Central Minnesota Arts Board and supported by funding from The McKnight Foundation. The program is specifically designed to recognize, celebrate, and financially support outstanding individual artists at various points in their creative careers. Geographically limited to Region 7W, which includes the Minnesota counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright, the award intends to enhance the capacity of local artists to continue developing and sharing their work within their communities and beyond. Each award provides $3,500 to selected artists. The total lifetime maximum any individual may receive through this program is capped at $5,000, which ensures that support can be distributed to a broad range of artists across the region over time. While the guidelines do not specify the types of expenses for which the award may be used, the broad encouragement for creatives across all disciplines—such as literary artists, visual artists, dancers, musicians, and spoken word performers—suggests a flexible use of funds aimed at advancing the artist's practice or public engagement. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age, self-identify as artists, and be current residents of one of the four eligible counties. They must also have maintained residency in Minnesota for at least six months prior to applying and be either U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens. Those who have already received the full $5,000 lifetime maximum, or who have overdue final reports from other CMAB grants, are ineligible to apply. First-time applicants are encouraged to review a tutorial and contact the CMAB office with any questions about eligibility. The application must be submitted online through the CMAB grant portal by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. Applicants are required to upload work samples that showcase their artistic skill, creativity, and originality. These work samples must have been created within the past five years and vary by artistic discipline. For example, visual artists must submit up to five .jpg images, literary artists must submit no more than seven pages of original writing in PDF format, and performing artists must provide up to seven minutes of audio or video content. Applications are scored out of 30 points based solely on artistic merit and quality. Reviewers consider factors such as demonstrated technical skill, originality of ideas, and the emotional or intellectual impact of the work. A final score of 15 or higher is required to be considered for funding. Applications are reviewed first by a panel and then by the CMAB Board in a public meeting. For the current cycle, applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026. Panel review will take place on February 19 or 20, 2026, and the Board review is scheduled for March 12, 2026. Awarded applicants must return a signed grant agreement within 30 days of notification, and a final report is due by May 15, 2026. Failure to comply with these administrative requirements can result in disqualification from future CMAB grants. Questions can be directed to the Central Minnesota Arts Board office by phone at 320-968-4290 or by email at media@centralmnartsboard.org. Additional support is available for applicants needing alternative formats or translation services, with at least ten working days' notice.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Grant Application Tips & Tricks videos and contact CMAB staff to verify eligibility before applying.