The American Composers Forum (ACF) is pleased to announce the 2026 McKnight Composer Fellowships.
Donor Name: American Composers Forum
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Fellowship
Deadline: 12/17/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This program is made possible by the generous support of the McKnight Foundation. ACF will select four music creators based in Minnesota to support their continuing artistic practice. There are no restrictions on how each music creator makes use of the funds.
The intent of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship is to recognize and support artists and culture bearers who are beyond emerging and have sustained experience in their area of practice. 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 addition of culture bearer acknowledges that the McKnight programs support creative leaders in Minnesota from cultures that don’t use the word “artist” (such as Native American and Hmong), as well as those who center the transmission and preservation of cultural lifeways.
Funding Information
- Four fellowships of $25,000 in unrestricted funds will be awarded.
- Fellows will also have access to financial support of up to $3,500 to develop works-in-progress.
Eligibility Criteria
- You have or maintain Minnesota residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship year.
- You must have a Social Security Number or Tax ID (such as an ITIN) for program administrator to process financial awards.
- You are beyond early practice and have sustained experience in your discipline.
- You demonstrate achievement, commitment, and high-level proficiency in music creation practice.
- For former McKnight fellows applying after the five-year sit period: You demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since your most recent McKnight Artist Fellowship.
- You are not applying to any additional McKnight Artist Fellowships, in any discipline, for the current program year.
- You are not staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or fellowship administrative partners (including ACF).
For more information visit ACF.
