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
O anual Prêmio McKnight de Artista Distinto reconhece artistas e portadores de cultura que assumiram um compromisso vitalício com práticas artísticas e culturais que são local, regional e/ou nacionalmente significativas. Esses artistas e portadores de cultura optaram por fazer suas vidas e carreiras em Minnesota, tornando assim nosso estado um lugar mais rico culturalmente. Em primeiro lugar, eles produziram uma arte criativamente incisiva que reflete o seu ponto de vista particular e extraordinário.
Os Artistas Distintos de McKnight também inspiraram outros artistas e portadores de cultura, foram aclamados pelo público, mecenas, críticos e outros profissionais das artes, e alguns fundaram e fortaleceram organizações artísticas.
Nota: As inscrições só são aceitas online. Sem auto-nomeações. Se você tiver alguma dúvida sobre o processo de indicação, envie um e-mail msalas@mcknight.org.
