McKnight Dancer Fellowships

The McKnight Fellowships for Dancers annually award three fellowships of $25,000 each to Minnesota dancers. The awards are unrestricted and 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.

The intent of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship is to recognize and support Minnesota artists and culture bearers who are beyond early practice, have sustained experience in their discipline, and demonstrate exceptional accomplishments. In addition to the cash award, fellows receive additional support for career development, are invited to attend a four-day retreat in rural Minnesota, and are eligible to have an original solo work commissioned for an evening titled SOLO.

Support for individual artists has been a focus of the McKnight Foundation's Arts and Culture program since its inception. The foundation recognizes that the arts cannot flourish or enhance community life without the ideas, energy, and drive of individual artists & culture bearers and that artists cannot make these contributions without unfettered creative time. Fellowship awards are made in 15 disciplines through 13 arts organizations and presenters.

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

Intent to Apply deadline has now passed

Applicants who miss the Intent to Apply deadline may still submit a final application.

Full application will open January 21st, 2026

Final application deadline: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at 3:00 pm CST

The final deadline is firm, the application site will close down at exactly 3 pm on the deadline date. There are no exceptions made for late submissions so plan to apply early! There is no fee to apply for a fellowship.

Photo of 2025 McKnight Dancer Fellow Cecil Neal by Roosevelt Mansfield