About the Open Call

The East Central Regional Arts Council (ECRAC) Essential Artist Award program is designed with McKnight Foundation funding to recognize, reward, and encourage outstanding professional artists and culture bearers. The Council will fund artists at various stages in their professional careers. These Awards will allow artists to set aside time to work, purchase supplies and materials, undertake advanced study (not related to a degree) or to pursue other career goals. The Essential Artist Award program is open to artists in all artistic mediums. Check the guidelines and application questions for updates. Each Award is for the amount of $9,000 and up to two are awarded each year. The Award applicant may be any professional artist who is a permanent resident (for at least 6 months) in one of the five Minnesota counties of: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age. The Essential Artist Award project should start on July 1 and must be completed within a year.

What is Offered

Each Essential Artist Award is for the amount of $9,000. Up to two awards are granted each year. The award allows artists to set aside time to work, purchase supplies and materials, undertake advanced study (not related to a degree), or pursue other career goals.

Requirements

Applicants must read the FY 2024-2025 ECRAC Essential Artist Award Guidelines (pdf) before applying. Additional materials, as explained in the instructions in the online application, are required to ensure eligibility and that the project fits the guidelines and review criteria. Applications must be submitted through the online ECRAC grant application portal. Applicants must be permanent residents (for at least 6 months) in one of the five Minnesota counties of Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine or the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lands, and be at least 18 years of age.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the ECRAC Grant Portal. On your first visit to the ECRAC Grant Portal, you will need to create a new account with a username and password. Your application does not need to be completed in one session and can be returned to and edited until you formally submit. Ensure to save your application often. Upload required documents and media. Once submitted, the application cannot be edited. Review the grant guidelines before beginning. Access the portal via the ECRAC Grant Portal link provided on the page.