The Mid-Career Professional Development Grant, offered by Forecast, aims to support Minnesota-based mid-career artists. The grant's primary objective is to help these artists expand or advance their careers specifically within the field of public art. This aligns with a broader mission to foster growth and development in the public art sector, likely contributing to a richer and more vibrant artistic landscape within the state.
The target beneficiaries of this grant are mid-career artists residing in Minnesota who are dedicated to public art. The impact goal is to empower these artists to further their careers, whether through developing project ideas or participating in professional development activities. By investing in individual artists, the program seeks to strengthen the overall public art community.
The grant prioritizes activities that directly contribute to career advancement in public art. This includes a wide range of professional development opportunities such as residencies, apprenticeships, conferences, travel, study, and skill development. The creation of project models or prototypes is also supported, as long as the ultimate outcome is to advance the applicant’s public art career. A key focus is the development of proposals for other public or nonprofit agencies, although commission or client-based work is explicitly not eligible.
Expected outcomes include artists gaining new skills, expanding their professional networks, and successfully developing project ideas or proposals. Measurable results could involve the number of artists participating in professional development activities, the number of proposals developed, and ultimately, the career progression of grant recipients in the public art field. The grant amount, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with $5,000 typically available, and a duration of less than one year, suggests a focus on impactful short-term development opportunities. The grant-funded period from January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, provides a clear timeline for these activities.
