The Anishinaabe Arts Initiative (AAI) Fellowship is made possible by the generous support of the McKnight Foundation to provide unfettered funding to one individual Indigenous artist or culture bearer to fuel his/her art in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Lake of the Woods, Becker, Roseau, Cass, and Itasca counties in Minnesota. Applications will be scored on the artistic quality of the work, the artistic merit of the artist, and on the proposal.

The goal of the annual Region 2 Arts Council AAI Fellowship Program is to assist the region’s most talented artists who are enrolled tribal members and descendants, in furthering and innovating their work by awarding substantial financial support to fund creative time and/or arts experiences that facilitate depth and advancement in their art form. Through such support, the R2AC aims to raise the profile of artistic work in the region and create a strong community of Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Fellows. Each fellow’s artwork will be featured on our website.

Typically one $5,000 award will be granted.

The funds can be used for, but not limited to:

• Exploring new directions or continuing work in progress

• Production costs, materials, or equipment

• Marketing your work

• Travel, research or study to further your art

• Collaborative or community projects

Eligibility
Download a copy of the application form below and read through the eligibility requirements carefully. If you can answer true to each requirement, then you should be eligible to apply. If you answer false to one of the eligibility requirements, or have questions of your own, contact us to discuss eligibility. There may be another grant or more suited to your needs.

Watch a video about how to create an account
or jump in and create an account and apply online

Last Year’s Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Fellowship Application (Sample only – cannot be submitted – only online submissions are accepted)