The specific 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 artistry in the expanded field of printmaking. 

Two selected artists will receive:

• An unrestricted $25,000 award
• One year of access to Highpoint’s state-of-the-art print shop
• $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, reception, and public event at Highpoint
• Professional digital documentation of exhibition
• Professional development opportunities
• Storage space for materials, use of inks, and standard shop supplies
• Highpoint supporting membership

Eligibility Requirements:

• This program is open to Minnesota-based artists that use one or more forms of printmaking as part of their practice, including artists living outside the metro area. Proximity to Highpoint is not a requirement
• Have resided in Minnesota continuously since February 1, 2026 or earlier
• Maintain MN residency for the duration of the fellowship 
• Are at a career stage beyond-emerging with a body of work that demonstrates a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistry in the field of printmaking
• Have not been awarded a McKnight Artist Fellowship in any artistic discipline in the last five years (since 2022)
• 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
• Applicant may only apply to one McKnight Artist Fellowship per year (in any/all artistic disciplines)

Please check out the FAQ page here for more helpful information about eligibility

Questions about eligibility or anything else? Contact josh@highpointprintmaking.org

Fellowship Timeline: 

October 22 - online applicant information session (8pm, join here)

November 15 - application deadline (Sunday, before midnight)

December 4 - finalist notification (Friday)

December 14 and 15 (Monday and Tuesday) - in-person finalist visits

December 16 - applicant notification (Wednesday)

February 1, 2027 - Fellowship begins (Monday)

  **Please ensure that you will available on Monday, December 14 and Tuesday, December 15 for an in-person studio visit if you are selected as a finalist. There are the dates that the panelists will be in Minneapolis. The 45 minute visits will take place between 10am and 4pm those days. 

Application Process:

You will need the following materials to complete your application:

Image Sample - 15 examples of artwork made within the last 10 years

• At least 10 of the images must incorporate one or more printmaking techniques
• Images must be .jpg format
• 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
• Videos must be .mov or .mp4 format

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.

Selection Process:

A panel of two arts professionals will review all applications remotely and select a group of finalists. In mid January, finalists will host the jurors for an in-person studio visit, after which the jurors will make their final decision. 

The initial evaluation of applications will be done using a rubric. The rubric criteria are as follows, criteria 1-5 will be numerically scored, criteria 6 is yes/no.

1. The applicant provides evidence of sustained experience, commitment, and contribution to the visual arts

2. The applicant demonstrates a commitment to printmaking as a part of their artistic practice

3. The application demonstrates artistic proficiency conceptually

4. The application demonstrates artistic proficiency technically

5. The accomplishments and recognition of the applicant are commensurate with a career stage that is beyond emerging

6. If applicant has previously received a McKnight Fellowship, their application demonstrates a new body of work and growth in their creative practice since that fellowship award

The scoring rubric alone does not determine who the fellowship will be awarded to, rather it is simply a tool for the panelists and also helps us provide more concrete feedback to the applicants.

Much more about the selection process as well as helpful information about preparing your application can be found in the FAQ here.

About the McKnight Arts and Culture bearer's Program: 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.