The Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Fellowship Award for Individuals is an annual grant opportunity offered by the Region 2 Arts Council (R2AC) to support Indigenous artists and culture bearers. This fellowship, made possible by funding from the McKnight Foundation, aims to provide unfettered financial support to one artist, culture bearer, or creative individual each year. The award is intended to assist artists in furthering their creative and cultural work in the counties of Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, and Roseau in Minnesota. The award amount is $5,000, and the fellowship is designed to support a range of activities, from creative production to community projects.

The fellowship's primary purpose is to fuel the creative efforts of Indigenous individuals by providing the financial resources needed to explore new directions in their artistic practice, purchase materials, cover production costs, or undertake collaborative community-based projects. This support can also be used for travel, research, or educational opportunities that will contribute to advancing the applicant’s work. The Region 2 Arts Council aims to elevate the profiles of Indigenous artists in the region, fostering a strong community of Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Fellows.

Applications for the fellowship open on January 10th, 2025, and the deadline for submissions is March 1st, 2025. The fellowship recipient will be selected by April 2nd, 2025, with the fellowship period beginning on April 9th, 2025. Applicants must be enrolled tribal members or descendants who reside in the specified counties. The fellowship is intended for artists in a broad range of disciplines, including music, writing, visual arts, theater, filmmaking, dance, and crafts.

Applications will be reviewed based on several criteria, including the artist's creative vision, experience, and the proposed use of funds. The successful applicant will receive a $5,000 award that can be used for a variety of purposes related to advancing their artistic or cultural work. The fellowship's goal is to provide a significant opportunity for creative growth, while also contributing to the vibrancy of the Indigenous arts community in the region. The recipient's work will be featured on the Region 2 Arts Council website.

The Region 2 Arts Council encourages all eligible applicants to carefully review the application form and eligibility requirements. Those who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to apply through the online portal. If applicants have questions regarding their eligibility or the application process, they are encouraged to reach out to the Region 2 Arts Council for clarification.