Organizer Information:

Northern Clay Center (NCC) is a renowned ceramic arts organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to advancing the ceramic arts through education, exhibitions, and artist services. The Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award was founded in 2014 to honor the legacy of Warren MacKenzie and his commitment to ceramic education.

Title & Description:

Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award (WMAA)

This award provides a unique opportunity for students and emerging artists to continue their ceramic research and education for up to twelve consecutive months.

Supported activities include:

  • Researching new techniques or processes.

  • Studying with a mentor or in an apprenticeship.

  • Traveling to other ceramic art centers or institutions for classes/workshops.

  • Collaborating with artists of other media.

  • Note: Proposals to fund large capital equipment purchases will not be accepted.

Category:

Ceramics, Clay, Craft, Research

Eligibility:

  • Residency: Must reside in the United States (US citizenship or valid student Visa through April 30, 2027).

  • Status: Must meet one of the following criteria:

    • Currently pursuing a BA or BFA in ceramics at an accredited US institution.

    • Currently enrolled in a graduate-level ceramics program at an accredited US institution.

    • Completed undergraduate or graduate academic training within the last year (prior to the application deadline).

    • Completed university-equivalent training (including apprenticeships) within the last year.

  • Employment: Recipients must not hold academic appointments exceeding 0.25 FTEs.

  • Restriction: Previous WMAA recipients are ineligible.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Grant Amount: Up to $2,000 (Max request).

  • Usage: Funds can be used for travel, research, and education. No more than 10% of the request may be earmarked for materials and equipment.

  • Platform: Recipients contribute project updates to NCC’s social media and give a public presentation at their institution upon completion.

Application Fee:

Free

Application Requirements:

  • Proposal: Max 2 pages describing the research project, anticipated work product (e.g., article, artwork), and its contribution to your professional development.

  • Budget: Detailed budget (Max $2,000).

  • Resume: Max 2 pages (or 2 minutes audio).

  • Artist Statement: Max 1 page (or 2 minutes audio).

  • Images: 10 images of completed work (JPG/PNG, 1500px on shortest side, 300 ppi, no names on images).

  • Letter of Support: One letter from a faculty member or mentor, emailed directly to NCC by the deadline.

Key Dates:

  • Application Opens: January 16, 2026.

  • Application Deadline: April 6, 2026

  • Notification: Mid-May 2026.

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted online via the Northern Clay Center portal.

Note: Letter of support must be emailed separately to anastasiaspeer@northernclaycenter.org.

Location:

The grant funds travel and research at various locations as proposed by the artist, but the administration is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA

Additional Details:

In one application round, you can apply for multiple NCC opportunities (like the Emerging Artist Residencies) but cannot receive more than one. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Contact Information:

Website: www.northernclaycenter.org

Email: anastasiaspeer@northernclaycenter.org (Artist Services Coordinator)