McKnight Fellowships

McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists

McKnight Fellowship 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.

Applications open March 15, 2024. The deadline for the 2024 McKnight Fellowships for Ceramic Artists is Friday, May 17, 2024 at 5 pm CT.

Two $25,000 grants will be awarded in 2024. 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 2024 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.

This program is made possible by the generous support of the McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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. For more information, visit mcknight.org/artistfellowships.

The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. Established in 1953, the McKnight Foundation is deeply committed to advancing climate solutions in the Midwest; building an equitable and inclusive Minnesota; and supporting the arts and culture in Minnesota, neuroscience, and global food systems.

2024 Selection Panel
The 2024 panel will consist of Natalia Arbelaez, Garth Johnson, and Hitomi Shibata and Takuro Shibata of Studio Touya.

Eligibility

  • 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.

Application Process

Applications open March 15, 2024.
Applications are due Friday, May 17, 2024, by 5 pm. 

Applications will be reviewed by a three-member panel, which will select recipients on the basis of perceived artistic excellence and demonstrated professional achievement, using artist statements as support material. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process shortly after the jury convenes.

There is no fee to apply. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Please label and format all documents as follows:

  • Written documents should be submitted as pdfs and should include your name at the top of each page.
  • Images must be submitted as jpgs or pngs, 1500 px on the shortest side and 300 ppi. DO NOT include your name on your images.
  • Format all file names as LastNameFirstInitialDocument.xxx (i.e. LongleySResume.pdf or LongleySImage1.jpg).

The following materials must be submitted online:

  • Artist statement – max 2 pages. This statement should provide background into your working process and work. Articulate your professional development as an artist, as well as your current artistic goals.
  • Resume – max 5 pages. Your resume may optionally take the form of a list of 10 significant artistic experiences that have impacted your development as an artist.
  • An image list that includes artist’s name, date of work, medium, and dimensions of work.
  • 10 images of completed work
  • 1 – 3 physical work samples. These works may utilize up to 30 linear inches and must be received at NCC by the application deadline. One may alternatively submit a second set of ten images representing various angles and details of 1 – 3 works in lieu of physical work samples.
  • References – Name and contact information for three individuals.

For physical applications and full printable instructions, please click here.

Apply now