McKnight Printmaking Fellowship
Highpoint Center for Printmaking
Fellowship Overview:
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 intent of the McKnight Printmaking Fellowship is to recognize and support artists living and working in Minnesota who are considered beyond emerging status and can demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence in the field of printmaking.
Two selected artists will receive:
- An unrestricted $25,000 award
- One year access to Highpoint’s state-of-the-art print shop
- Technical support from the fellowship coordinator
- Professional development opportunities
- Storage space for materials, use of inks, and standard shop supplies
- $500 credit toward Highpoint printmaking classes and/or individual instruction
- Group discussions and critiques with local and national experts in the field
- McKnight Printmakers’ exhibition, public talk, and reception at Highpoint
- Professional digital documentation of exhibited artwork
- Opportunity to participate in a fully-funded artist residency through a partnership with the Artist Communities Alliance following the fellowship year
- Highpoint supporting membership
Eligibility Requirements
- This program is open to Minnesota-based printmakers, including artists living outside the metro area.
- Have or maintain MN residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship.
- Are beyond emerging with a body of work that demonstrates a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and excellence in the field of printmaking.
- Have not been awarded a McKnight Artist Fellowship in any artistic discipline in the last five years.
- Demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since their most recent McKnight Artist Fellowship (if applicable).
- Are not staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or fellowship administrative partners.
- Are not enrolled full-time in an academic program.
- Artists must demonstrate excellence in at least one traditional printmaking technique (intaglio, lithography, screenprinting, mono printing, or relief).
- Applicant may only apply to one McKnight Artist Fellowship per year (in any/all artistic disciplines).
Questions about eligibility or anything else? Contact josh@highpointprintmaking.org
Fellowship Timeline:
Tuesday, October 29 @ 7:30pm – info session (join here)
Sunday, November 24 @11:59pm – application deadline
Mid-January – finalist studio visits
Tuesday, January 21 – applicant notification
Application Process
You will need the following materials to complete your application:
Image Sample – 10 examples of artwork made within the last 10 years
- At least 8 of the images must incorporate one or more printmaking techniques
- Images must be clear and professionally presented
- Any work submitted must be printed by the applicant artist
- Applicants are allowed to submit up to 2 videos (3 minute maximum) in their image sample
- OPTIONAL: applicant may submit up to 3 additional detail images
Artist Resume – maximum 5 pages
- Focus on highlighting your artistic accomplishments/qualifications
Statement of Artistic Practice – maximum 2 pages written or 5 minutes spoken (video)
- A project budget is not required.
- You are not required to describe fellowship goals because this is not a project-based opportunity. However, you may describe these goals in your statement if you wish.
For helpful information about preparing your application materials, click here.
Selection Process
A panel of two arts professionals will review applications remotely and select a group of finalists. Finalists will host the jurors for a studio visit, after which the jurors will make their final decision.
Much more about the selection process as well as helpful information about preparing your application can be found in the FAQ here.
Questions? Contact Josh Bindewald, Director of Artist Programs: josh@highpointprintmaking.org or 612-871-1326
About the McKnight Foundation
The McKnight Foundation is a family foundation based in Minnesota that seeks to advance a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive.