Organizer Information:

Northern Clay Center (NCC) administers this program with support from the McKnight Foundation. The fellowship is part of the McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowships Program, one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the country, founded on the belief that Minnesota thrives when its artists thrive.

Title & Description:

Applications will open in March for the McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists 2026.

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. The fellowship supports outstanding ceramic artists who identify with any methodology—whether functional, sculptural, or relational.

Support may be pursued for experimenting with new techniques/materials, purchasing equipment, collaborating, or pursuing education/travel. Recipients will deliver a workshop and be featured in a catalogue and group exhibition at NCC that will travel to sites around the state.

Category:

Ceramic Arts (Functional, Sculptural, or Relational).

Eligibility:

  • Residency: Must have and maintain MN residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship.

  • Career Stage: Open to mid-career artists with a body of work demonstrating sustained accomplishment.

  • Exclusions: Full-time students, staff/board of NCC/McKnight Foundation, and recipients of a McKnight Fellowship in any discipline within the last five years are not eligible.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Grant: Two awards of $25,000 each (unrestricted cash).

  • Exhibition: Feature in a catalogue and a traveling group exhibition starting at Northern Clay Center.

  • Engagement: Opportunity to deliver a workshop.

Application Fee:

No fee to apply.

Application Requirements:

  • Artist Statement: Max 2 pages (articulating professional development and current goals).

  • Resume: Max 5 pages (or a list of 10 significant artistic experiences).

  • Images: 10 images of completed work (formatted as JPG/PNG, 1500px shortest side).

  • Work Samples: 1–3 physical work samples (max 30 linear inches) delivered to NCC OR a second set of 10 digital images representing details/angles.

  • References: Contact info for three individuals.

How to Apply?

Applications will be submitted online. Detailed instructions will be available when the portal opens.

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: March 2026.

  • Deadline: Specific date TBD upon opening

  • Notification: Shortly after the jury convenes.

Location:

Minneapolis, Minnesota (Northern Clay Center).

Contact Information:

Email: anastasiaspeer@northernclaycenter.org (Studio Program Coordinator)

Website: Apply Here