Eligibility & Career Status Verification

☑ Eligible applicants categorize themselves as one of the following designations:

• Writers in film, television, and streaming
• Directors in film, television, and streaming
• Podcast and radio artists
• Interactive and virtual reality creative artists
• Creative artists specializing in web, computer, video, and interactive games
• Creative artists specializing in emerging forms of media

☑ Establish or sustain residency in Minnesota for a minimum of one year before the application deadline and throughout the fellowship year.

☑ Qualify as an artist beyond the stage of emerging, as defined below, showcasing a body of work that consistently reflects artistic excellence, a clear and unique vision, professional achievements, and commitment.

To demonstrate that you are beyond the stage of an emerging artist, you must:

• Have a minimum of five years of experience as a practicing artist.
• Present documentation verifying recognition in your designated field.
  • If you are submitting as a writer in film, television, and streaming you must present evidence of one of the following acknowledgements:
    • A feature-length screenplay or a television script that has been produced or optioned for production by an entity other than yourself or one under your ownership. Moreover, the said production company must possess a minimum of one produced feature film or television credit.
    • Achievement of semi-finalist, finalist, or winner status in a national screenwriting competition outside of Minnesota (e.g., Nicholl, Austin, Slamdance, etc.).
    • Hold membership in the Writers' Guild of America.
  • If you are submitting as a director in film, television, and streaming you must present evidence of one of the following acknowledgements:
    • Validation that your work has been showcased in a minimum of five film festivals, web festivals, or curated exhibitions, with at least one of them being outside of Minnesota.
    • National or international airing, broadcasting, or distribution (excluding online self-distribution platforms such as YouTube).
    • Attainment of a minimum of one national accolade (e.g., Spirit Award, Webby, Emmy, Third Coast award, etc.).
  • If you are submitting as a podcast or radio artist you must present evidence of one of the following acknowledgements:
    • Validation that your work has been showcased in a minimum of five competitions or curated exhibitions, with at least one of them being outside of Minnesota.
    • National or international airing, broadcasting, or distribution (excluding online self-distribution platforms such as YouTube).
    • Attainment of a minimum of one national accolade (e.g., Spirit Award, Webby, Emmy, Third Coast award, etc.).
  • If you are submitting as a web, computer, video, and interactive game artist you must present evidence of one of the following acknowledgements:
    • Acknowledgement from a national or international organization, such as the Independent Games Festival. This recognition may take the form of a competition win, festival selection, award, or producer option.
  • If you are submitting as a creative artist specializing in emerging forms of media:
    • Please reach out to the program administrator, Robert Ndondo-Lay, and provide details about your specific practice to facilitate the determination of verifying materials.

Kindly be aware that ALL APPLICANTS are required to submit documentation substantiating their credentials. This may include a copy of the option agreement or production details, a website link to a festival or competition confirming your status, a scanned contract or award, etc. It's important to note that the jury will not have access to this documentation; it is solely for FilmNorth staff to verify the eligibility of each applicant. Therefore, there is no necessity to submit additional documentation beyond the specified minimum. For instance, if you are a filmmaker, providing proof that at least one of your films has been showcased in five film festivals suffices; submitting more than five does not confer any advantage.

 

McKnight Artist Fellowships Community Values Statement

The McKnight Foundation and the administering partners for the McKnight Artist Fellowships are committed to creating and supporting an artistic community in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The community of the McKnight Artist Fellowships includes people who engage with the fellowships program whether as applicants, fellows, panelists, contractors, collaborators, fellowships administrators, and staff of the McKnight Foundation and partnering organizations. As a community, we commit to creating and maintaining relationships that are free from harm, prejudice, and harassment. Community members agree to communicate directly and transparently regarding issues of conduct that could negatively impact the well-being of participating members and organizations. In the case of an accusation, legal action, or conviction, the McKnight Foundation and its fellowship program partners may gather and assess relevant information. If deemed necessary, the McKnight Foundation and its fellowship program partners may take administrative action up to and including the recommendation of participation in reconciliation or restorative justice processes; disqualification of an application; the termination of a contract; and the recall and/or termination of a fellowship. This community will be what we make it and our aim is to collectively create an experience in which all artists and members of the McKnight Artist Fellowships community thrive.