The McKnight Foundation is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Distinguished Artist Award, with two important updates.
First, nominations are now accepted on a rolling basis—meaning you can submit a nomination at any time throughout the year. By removing the nomination window, we hope to make the process easier and more inclusive for nominators, allowing them to submit their nominations when ready.
Please note: Nominations received by May 1st will be considered for the current year’s award cycle. Those submitted after that date will automatically be reviewed for the following year.
We welcome and encourage nominations from across the state of Minnesota and 11 Native Nations that share its geography.
New for 2026: Nominations Will Carry Over
Starting in 2026, nominations will carry over to future years. You’re welcome to renominate someone each year if you wish, but the number of nominations a person receives does not increase their chances of being selected.
There’s also no need to organize “campaigns” of multiple nominators—the selection committee bases its decision on the breadth and impact of an artist or culture bearer’s artistic and cultural practice, not the quantity of nominations.
If you’ve nominated someone before 2026 and would like them to be considered in future rounds, please submit a nomination form that will carry forward.
About the McKnight Distinguished Artist Award
El anual Premio McKnight Distinguished Artist reconoce a artistas y portadores de cultura que han asumido un compromiso de por vida con prácticas artísticas y culturales que son significativas a nivel local, regional y/o nacional. Estos artistas y portadores de cultura han elegido hacer sus vidas y carreras en Minnesota, haciendo así de nuestro estado un lugar culturalmente más rico. En primer lugar, han producido un arte creativamente incisivo que refleja su particular y extraordinario punto de vista.
Los Artistas Distinguidos de McKnight también han inspirado a otros artistas y portadores de la cultura, se han ganado el reconocimiento del público, los patrocinadores, los críticos y otros profesionales del arte, y algunos han fundado y fortalecido organizaciones artísticas.
Nota: Las solicitudes solo se aceptan en línea. No hay autonominaciones. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el proceso de nominación, envíe un correo electrónico msalas@mcknight.org.
