The Cedar Commissions
Applications NOW OPEN
Now in its sixteenth year, The Cedar Commissions is a cohort-based program that commissions six early-career/emerging Minnesota-based artists each year to create and perform new music. The Cedar Commissions are made possible by the Jerome Foundation. A community-based panel selects artists working across musical genres who we believe carry the potential to advance and expand upon our mission of intercultural understanding. Consideration is given to an artist’s ability and intention to push artistic boundaries, forge new collaborations, and deepen community connections through their work.
DUE: FRIDAY, JULy 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM CDT
ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE:
$4,500 stipend, peer feedback & mentorshiP, Performance Audio+Video, Photo assets + MORE!
interested in applying for the 2025–2026 Cedar Commissions?
Join our info session and Q&A on
Wednesday, June 17th, 7-8 PM.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the program and get tips for submitting a strong application. Cedar staff will be on hand to answer your questions, and the session will be recorded for those unable to attend live. A link to the recording will be emailed to all who RSVP.
ABOUT THE CEDAR COMMISSIONS
The Cedar Commissions is our flagship program for local emerging artists made possible with a grant from the Jerome Foundation. Since the program began in 2011, the Commissions have showcased new work by over 90 Minnesotan emerging composers and musicians, including Dessa, Aby Wolf, Theo Langason, Maria Isa, Carlisle Evans Peck, Sarah Larsson, Dameun Strange, Vie Boheme, and many more.
Commissioned artists are selected by a panel composed of Cedar community, staff, and past participants of this program. Artists receive a $4,500 stipend, as well as professional development, administrative & marketing support from Cedar staff, and mentorship from an artist-determined individual. Performances include a tech rehearsal, high-quality professional photos, multitrack recording, and video documentation.
For this program, The Cedar selects six emerging artists working across musical genres who we believe are capable of telling stories through music and sound that carry the potential to advance and expand upon our mission of intercultural understanding. Consideration is given to an artist’s ability and intention to push artistic boundaries, forge new collaborations, and deepen community connections.
The Cedar Commissions is made possible in part by a grant from the Jerome Foundation.