McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists Grant

McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Northern Clay Center
Amount: US $25,000
Last Updated: March 04, 2026

Summary

The McKnight Artist Fellowships for Ceramic Artists supports mid-career ceramic artists in Minnesota with $25,000 grants to foster creative development. Recipients can explore new techniques, collaborate, and enhance their artistic practice. The program culminates in a workshop and a group exhibition at Northern Clay Center, showcasing the work at multiple venues across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. This initiative highlights the foundation's commitment to nurturing local talent and elevating the arts community.

Overview

About the McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowships Program Founded on the belief that Minnesota thrives when its artists and culture bearers thrive, the McKnight Foundation’s arts and culture program is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. Support for individual working Minnesota artists and culture bearers has been a cornerstone of the program since it began in 1982. The McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowships Program provides annual, unrestricted cash awards to outstanding mid-career Minnesota artists in 15 different creative disciplines. Program partner organizations administer the fellowships and structure them to respond to the unique challenges of different disciplines. Currently, the foundation contributes about $2.8 million per year to its statewide fellowships. McKnight Artist Fellowships for Ceramic Artists The McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists supports outstanding Minnesota ceramic artists who identify with any methodology—whether it be functional, sculptural, or relational—all techniques are welcome. The intent of this program is to recognize and support midcareer artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence. Funding Two $25,000 grants will be awarded this year. Fellowship support may be pursued for, but not limited to: experimenting with new techniques and materials; purchasing materials and equipment; collaborating with other artists; or pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. The fellows will deliver a workshop and at the culmination of the grant period, will be featured in a catalogue and group exhibition at Northern Clay Center that will also travel to 3 – 5 sites around the state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicant Criteria:Have or maintain MN residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship year. Are mid-career with a body of work that demonstrates a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence. Can only apply to one McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship in any artistic discipline within a year. Have not been a recipient of a McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship within any artistic discipline in the last five years. Demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since their most recent McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship. Are not staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or fellowship administrative partners. Are not enrolled full-time in an academic program.