ACA was awarded $720,000 from the McKnight Foundation to create a new consortium program that enhances equitable capacity in the artist residency field. This initiative connected McKnight Artist Fellows with national and international residency opportunities, providing generative spaces for creative growth, collaboration, and experimentation. Over the first three years, the program supported 98 McKnight Fellows at 20 partner residency sites.
AAC’s consortium model expands access to artist residencies, ensuring historically underrepresented artists can thrive in supportive and inclusive environments. Participating residencies will receive resources and training to assess and strengthen their equitable capacity, using AAC’s Healthy Residency Framework. Partners will also engage in peer learning groups to develop fair policies and practices that promote diverse and just creative spaces.
McKnight Artist Fellowships provide Minnesota-based mid-career artists with $25,000 unrestricted grants and professional development opportunities. This partnership allows fellows to extend their practice through immersive residency experiences.
This collaboration marked a significant investment in artist residencies, ensuring a stronger, more equitable future for artists worldwide.