McKnight Composer Fellowships (2027)

This fellowship is built for composers and music creators already established in their careers, not people just starting out — the McKnight Foundation and American Composers Forum frame it for "mid-career" artists who are "beyond emerging" and have sustained experience in their practice. Four composers based in Minnesota receive $25,000 each, unrestricted and paid in four installments, meaning there's no requirement to spend it on a specific project — it can cover rent, equipment, or simply time to write. On top of that, fellows can draw on up to $3,000 for professional development or works-in-progress, and up to $1,500 for performance support, plus ongoing consultation from the Forum and Springboard for the Arts. The program also recognizes "culture bearers" — creative leaders, such as Native American and Hmong artists, from traditions that don't necessarily use the word "artist" to describe the work. There's no restriction on genre or musical approach, and no stated age limit. To apply, you submit online through SlideRoom by October 12, 2026, though the guidelines don't spell out exactly what materials — work samples, statements, references — are required beyond that. A rotating panel reviews applications; past panelists have included composers and performers. The stated standard is that fellows show "achievement, commitment, and high-level proficiency" and that their work benefits people in Minnesota, though neither term is defined further, and the panel aims for diversity across methodology, gender, race, ethnicity, and geography "as far as possible."