McKnight Fellowships Musicians — Creative Freedom

Applications are now open for the 2026 McKnight Fellowships for Musicians

With the generous support of the McKnight Foundation,
Mac Phail awards four $25,000 fellowships to outstanding and distinctive musicians applying as solo artists or small ensembles/bands.
The McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship intends to recognize and support artists and culture bearers who are beyond emerging and have sustained experience in their practice area.

Fellows demonstrate achievement, commitment, and high-level proficiency in artistic and/or culture bearer practice that contributes to their field and impacts and benefits people in Minnesota.

The unrestricted awards can help an artist set aside periods of time for study, reflection, experimentation, and exploration, take advantage of an opportunity, or work on a new project. Bands/ensembles that are recognized as finalists and/or fellowship recipients will split awards between members; individual band/ensemble members will not each receive the full award amount. Awards are subject to state and federal income tax guidelines.

In order to submit your initial application, you will only be required to submit the materials that will be reviewed during Round 1. If you are selected to advance to Round 2, you will be invited to submit the materials reviewed during Round 2. The guidelines provide full details on the process.

• January 12 – Deadline to submit four‑minute work sample for consideration in Round 1
• February 27 – Notification regarding advancement to Round 2
• March 27 – Deadline for selected applicants to submit additional work samples, live performance video, artist statement, and resume for consideration during Round 2
• May 8 – Notification regarding advancement to finals
• June 5 – In‑person final auditions held for 9 finalists

Monday, January 12, 2026 – 3:00 PM CST