The $1,500 Artist Career Development Grant, offered by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, is designed to provide financial support to artists who are dedicated to advancing their work and careers. This grant is available to artists residing in specific counties in Minnesota, including Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan. The grant aims to assist artists across various disciplines, such as dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual art, and folk and traditional art.

The primary purpose of the grant is to support specific career-developing projects rather than providing unrestricted financial assistance. Eligible projects may include costs associated with production and presentation, workshops, training, research, mentorship, supplies and equipment, and creative time. For instance, artists may use the funds for expenses related to visual art shows, portfolio production, attending workshops, purchasing necessary materials, or compensating for time spent creating art.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and residents of the nine-county Prairie Lakes region for a minimum of six months prior to applying. Additionally, applicants must not have received a Creative Individuals Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board within the past year. Full-time students are not eligible, but part-time students taking two or fewer classes per semester may apply. The grant cannot be used for tuition fees or expenses related to degree fulfillment.

The application process requires artists to provide proof of residency, such as a Minnesota driver’s license or other documentation. It is important to note that multiple applications for different parts of a collaborative project may not be funded if submitted by different organizations or individuals. The grant does not require a matching contribution from applicants.

The evaluation of applications will be based on specific criteria, although detailed evaluation criteria are not provided in the source document. The grant is currently accepting applications, with a deadline set for April 1, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council website for more information and to access the application.

For any inquiries, applicants can contact the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council via email at info@plrac.org or by phone at (507) 833-8721. This grant represents an opportunity for artists in the specified counties to receive financial support for their career development projects, fostering growth and creativity within the local arts community.