Knight Foundation Cultural Opportunity Fund

Purpose: Foster the artistry and growth of local performers and organizations by providing the opportunity to present programming in the Concert Hall at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts with an emphasis on cultural diversity and artistic excellence.

Geographic Scope

• Minnesota-based organizations and performers only

Eligible Applicants

• Minnesota performing artists and ensembles who book the Concert Hall for a rental engagement
• Priority given to emerging and mid-range performing arts organizations/ensembles
• Emphasis on cultural and artistic diversity
• Must be based in Minnesota

Funding Details

• Funds subsidize rent and direct expenses incurred by the Ordway only
• Allocated to applicants for their first booking in any one season
• Subsidy amounts subject to funding availability
• Subsidy will not exceed total direct expenses incurred by applicant
• Funds distributed as credits on engagement's final settlement statement
• Applicants may submit only 1 application per Fiscal Year
• Typical Concert Hall rental cost: $9,500-$13,500

Eligible Event Types

• Classical, acoustic, and popular music concerts
• Choral productions
• Lectures and author readings
• Film screenings
• Workshops
• Recordings
• Other artistic projects suitable for the Concert Hall
• Limited suitability for dance (no fly space, wing space, or side lights)

Venue Details (Concert Hall)

• Performance platform: 48' wide x 32' deep
• Sprung wooden mahogany floor
• No wings or fly systems
• Marley floor available (as of 2026-2027 season)
• Green Room capacity: 40-50 people
• 4 dressing rooms
• 2 changing rooms (capacity ~15 people each)
• Equipment available: piano/keyboard, drum equipment, platform risers, choir risers, lighting, sound systems
• Recording available upon request (archival at no additional cost; commercial recording has additional fees)

What They Don't Fund

• Marketing and promotion (entirely recipient's responsibility)
• Production planning/management support
• Events not suitable for Concert Hall venue

Reporting Requirements

• Awardees must submit post-show report within one month of final performance date
• Must acknowledge Knight Foundation support in collateral materials and website
• Required acknowledgment language: "This performance is made possible in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation"

Administration

• Reviewed by committee of Arts Partnership staff
• The Arts Partnership administers allocation and decisions are final
• May adjust subsidy amounts based on available resources

Application Process

Application Window: October through December annually

Award Notification: Mid-February

Submission Method: Online application form

Contact & Organization Details

1. Contact name (first and last)
2. Primary phone number
3. Secondary phone number
4. Contact email
5. Name of organization or performer applying
6. Complete address
7. Organization/performer website
8. Not-for-profit status
9. Annual operating budget

Event Outline

1. Title of event
2. Brief description of art to be presented in literal terms (max 300 characters)
   • Example: choral concert, dance performance, keynote speaker, storybook reading, etc.
3. Describe the project's intention
4. Define success and how performance fulfills Knight Fund purpose
5. Describe similar works completed in recent past
6. Explain marketing and promotion plan (recipient is fully responsible)

Technical Details

1. Project's technical needs (reference Concert Hall technical information)
2. Total number and type of performers
3. Maximum number of people on stage at one time
4. Staging needs: Select from options including
   • Artist use of Choir Loft
   • Piano/keyboard
   • Drum equipment (rug/shield/stool)
   • Platform risers
   • Choir risers
   • Special flooring
   • Other
5. Video/Lighting needs: Select from options including
   • 11'x20' screen + projector
   • General concert lighting
   • Specifically designed lighting (applicant provides lighting designer)
   • Other
6. Sound needs: Select from options including
   • Spoken word
   • Vocals
   • Acoustic instruments
   • Electric instruments
   • Playback audio
   • Monitors
   • Other
7. Wardrobe: Costume/stage wear and steaming/laundry needs
8. List technical support people (lighting designers, stage managers, etc.)
9. Recording preferences:
   • Archival recording (available at no additional cost)
   • Audio recording (commercial/promotional)
   • Video recording (commercial/promotional)
   • Photography (commercial/promotional)
   • Livestream (commercial/promotional)
10. Instrumentation list for event
11. Other questions or comments
12. How you heard about the program

Ticketing Agreement

• Awardees must agree to abide by all Ordway ticketing policies
• Guests must create Ordway account
• Use of Ordway app required
• Exclusive ticketing fees charged to guests

Post-Performance Reporting

Within one month of final performance, submit post-show report including:

• Organization/artist name
• Email
• Date of event
• Attendance numbers
• Ticket sales quantity
• Anecdotes about the event
• Estimated media impressions
• URL of media example
• PDF of marketing piece including Knight Foundation logo (max 50 MB)