ST. PAUL, MINN. – Jan 10, 2017 – The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced today that the Knight Arts Challenge will return to St. Paul for a fourth year, offering $1.3 million for the best ideas for the arts. Submissions will be accepted March 29 – April 28 at knightarts.org. The challenge is open to anyone with an idea for engaging and enriching the city through the arts.
“Three years ago, we set out to build on the creative momentum in St. Paul,” said Victoria Rogers, vice president for arts at Knight Foundation. “We are now seeing how Knight Arts Challenge winners have helped put the arts at the center of the economic and cultural boom of this city, by bringing unexpected artistic experiences into neighborhoods and reflecting a range of voices and experiences authentic to St. Paul.”
Last fall, Knight Foundation announced 27 winning ideas in the 2016 challenge, projects that engage audiences in new ways, bring whimsy to everyday life, and involve a wide range of voices and neighborhoods. They include a snowblower ballet, a theatrical extravaganza at the St. Paul Saints ballpark, and a monthly cabaret series exploring issues Asian-American women face.
As in previous years, the challenge is open to anyone, independent artists, arts organizations and businesses. Applying is easy. All it takes is 150 words to complete the initial online application, which is user-friendly to encourage a wide range of applicants.
There are only three rules for submissions:
1) The idea must be about the arts.
2) The project must take place in or benefit St. Paul.
3) The grant recipients must find funds to match Knight’s commitment.
In addition, Knight Foundation staff will hold information sessions in St. Paul the week of March 13. The schedule for those events will be announced soon.
“Good ideas can come from anywhere,” said Jai Winston, St. Paul program director for Knight Foundation. “Through the challenge, we get to meet new people and hear meaningful ideas that reflect St. Paul. We can’t wait to see what 2017 brings.”
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit knightfoundation.org.
Contacts:
Kathy Graves, Parenteau Graves, 612-242-3184, [email protected]
Anusha Alikhan, communications director, Knight Foundation, 305-908-2677, [email protected]
Images available upon request.