In the wake of the Southern Theater's financial crisis, the McKnight Foundation announced Tuesday that Springboard for the Arts, a St. Paul arts development group, will temporarily administer the 2011 McKnight Artist Fellowships for Dancers and for Choreographers, a role previously handled by the Southern.

"McKnight and Springboard share a mutual commitment to Minnesota's artists," Springboard executive director Laura Zabel said in a press release Tuesday. "We are pleased for this opportunity to realize our commitment in a new way, by filling this administrative role for the program's 2011 cycle." The change in management comes after the McKnight withdrew its support of the Southern following revelations of a financial crisis at the Minneapolis performing-arts venue, a Twin Cities staple for contemporary music, theater and dance. The McKnight has asked the Southern to give back $300,000 in grant funds. The Southern has canceled most of its upcoming shows and said it must raise $400,000 in donations by April 30 or shut down. While Springboard will oversee the selection for this year's three dancer fellowships and three choreographer fellowships, McKnight claims that it is only temporary. The foundation hopes to announce a permanent administrator by the end of the summer, according to the press release.