The Minneapolis College of Art and Design is the administrative home of the McKnight Visual Artist Fellowships for mid-career artists.

The 2026 McKnight Visual Artist Fellowship application cycle will open on Friday, February 6 and close on Friday, March 20 at noon CT.

About the McKnight Visual Artist Fellowships

Since 1982 the McKnight Fellowships for Visual Artists has rewarded talented Minnesota visual artists whose work is of exceptional artistic merit and who are at a career stage beyond emerging.

Each year six $25,000 fellowships in the visual arts category are awarded. The focus of the fellowship program is to connect fellows to local and national art professionals and support additional professional development activities. In addition, the fellows have the opportunity to have their artwork professionally documented, access a range of MCAD facilities, and enjoy discounted MCAD Continuing Education classes. All McKnight Artist Fellows are eligible to receive eight hours of consultation support from Springboard for the Arts and participate in a one-two week residency facilitated by the Alliance of Artist Communities.

Contact Program Director Keisha Williams or Associate Fellowship Coordinator Melanie Pankau at gallery@mcad.edu or 612.874.3803 for more information.