Each year, up to 15 artists receive unrestricted grants of $48,000 that are distributed over 12 to 24 month periods. In addition, fellows receive up to $2,000 to plan and implement an individual communications strategy. Fellowships begin with a two-day orientation retreat followed by annual workshops and informal artist gatherings.

The BAF enables artists to deepen and advance their work and foster their artistic careers. Artists may use a fellowship to explore new directions, continue work already in progress or accomplish work not financially feasible otherwise. Fellows may decide to take time for solitary work or reflection, engage in collaborative or community projects, embark on travel or research, or pursue any other activity that contributes to their lives as artists.

Artist Fellowship Eligibility

We welcome applications from qualified artists who:

• are residents of our funding region: Minnesota, North Dakota or South Dakota, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• have lived in our funding region at least 24 months immediately prior to the application deadline.
• are at least 25-years-old on the application deadline.

You are not eligible to apply if you:

• are a student enrolled full- or part-time in a degree-granting program after July 1, 2009.
• have already received two BAFs or an Enduring Vision Award.

No more than two former fellows will receive fellowships in any given year.

Please Note: Artistic Categories alternate on a bi-annual basis and may include specific eligibility requirements.

Former BAF recipients may apply only if they have:

• submitted a final report and
• completed their previous fellowship at least five years ago.

New: Recipients of two BAFs are no longer eligible to apply.

No more than two former fellows will receive fellowships in any given year. However, two-time recipients may be eligible for the Enduring Vision Awards.

Application Deadlines

October 30, 2009: Visual Arts
November 6, 2009: Media Arts and Traditional and Functional Craft Arts

Other Important Dates

January – February 2010: applications reviewed
Late February 2010: applicants notified of finalist status
March 2010: finalists announced
Late April 2010: finalists notified of fellowship status
June 12-14, 2010: fellows orientation
June 14, 2010: public event to announce and honor fellows

See online application instructions and forms or join our mailing list to receive program news and updates.