McKnight Fellowships

McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists

McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists

The McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists supports outstanding Minnesota ceramic artists who identify with any methodology: functional, sculptural, relational—all techniques are welcome. The intent of this program is to recognize and support mid-career artists living and working in Minnesota, who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence.

Applications open March 17, 2023. The deadline for the 2023 McKnight Fellowships for Ceramic Artists is Friday, May 19, 2023 at 5pm CT.

Two $25,000 grants are awarded annually. Fellowship support may be pursued for, but is not limited to: experimenting with new techniques and materials; purchasing materials and equipment; collaborating with other artists; and pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. McKnight Fellowship recipients will be featured in a workshop and an exhibition with a corresponding catalogue at the end of their grant year.

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

Founded on the belief that Minnesota thrives when its artists 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 has been a cornerstone of the program since it began in 1982. The McKnight Artist Fellowships Program provides annual, unrestricted cash awards to outstanding mid-career Minnesota artists in 14 different creative disciplines. Program partner organizations administer the fellowships and structure them to respond to the unique challenges of different disciplines. For more information, visit mcknight.org.

McKnight Artist Fellowships Community Values Statement

Welcome to the McKnight Artist Fellowships community! The McKnight Foundation and the administering partners for the McKnight Artist Fellowships are committed to creating and supporting an artistic community in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The community of the McKnight Artist Fellowships includes people who engage with the fellowships program whether as applicants, fellows, panelists, contractors, collaborators, fellowships administrators, and staff of the McKnight Foundation and partnering organizations. As a community, we commit to creating and maintaining relationships that are free from harm, prejudice, and harassment.  Community members agree to communicate directly and transparently regarding issues of conduct that could negatively impact the well-being of participating members and organizations. In the case of an accusation, legal action, or conviction, the McKnight Foundation and its fellowship program partners may gather and assess relevant information. If deemed necessary, the McKnight Foundation and its fellowship program partners may take administrative action up to and including the recommendation of participation in reconciliation or restorative justice processes; disqualification of an application; the termination of a contract; and the recall and/or termination of a fellowship. This community will be what we make it and our aim is to collectively create an experience in which all artists and members of the McKnight Artist Fellowships community thrive. 

2023 Selection Panel
For this years grant application cycle, the panelists for NCC’s McKnight Artist Fellowships will be Mary Barringer, Sana Musasama, & Professor Bobby Scroggins .

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 Fellowship in any artistic discipline within a year.
  • Have not been a recipient of a McKnight Artist Fellowship within any artistic discipline in the last five years. 
  • Demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since their most recent McKnight Artist 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 17, 2023.
Applications are due Friday, May 19, 2023, 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