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Updates

SEMAC Grant Programs: Three New Opportunities and Updates

SEMAC Individual Artist & Culture Bearers Project Support Grant
Application Opens: June 28, 2025 | Deadline: July 28, 2025

SEMAC is excited to announce enhanced funding opportunities for individual artists and culture bearers. This year brings important changes and new flexibility to better serve our creative community.

What’s New This Year:

  • Enhanced Grant Structure: Project Support Grant amounts now range from $2,000 to $4,000 for Emerging Artists and $3,000 to $6,000 for Advancing Artists
  • Expanded Opportunities: Artists and culture bearers can now receive up to two grants per year – one Project Support Grant or Rural Arts Grant AND one Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools Grant
  • Important Timing Note: Recipients of Individual Artists & Culture Bearers Grants in fiscal year 2025 must take a one-year break and can reapply in fiscal year 2027. This policy will continue going forward.
  • Reminder: A Letter of Intent is no longer required.

Free Grant Workshops for Individual Artists & Culture Bearers:

  • Lake City: June 2
  • Austin: June 5
  • Online via Zoom: June 25

Each workshop features program overviews, application tips, and networking opportunities. Learn more about the Individual Artist and Culture Bearers Project Support grant or register for the workshop below:

Learn More/Apply
Register for Workshop

SEMAC General Operating Support Grants
Application Opens: July 1, 2025

Arts organizations with operating expenses under $174,000 and at least three years of operation can apply for biennial support grants designed to strengthen and stabilize organizations over two years.

Grant Structure:

  • $5,000 for year one
  • Additional $5,000 for year two (pending successful interim report)
  • Eligible expenses include staffing, salaries, equipment, facilities, maintenance, and administrative costs
  • All 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations are eligible (excluding colleges and universities)

Application Timeline:

  • Early Bird Advantage: Applications submitted by August 1 will receive notification by the end of November.
  • Second Round: If funding remains available, applications submitted by November 1 will receive notification by the end of January.

Applications are reviewed monthly until program funding runs out.

Free Grant Workshop for General Operating Support: June 24, 6-8:30p online covering applications process and requirements. Register below:

Learn More/Apply
Register for Workshops

SEMAC Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools Grants
Application Opens: July 1, 2025

This program funds interactive arts residencies in public and non-religious private schools, creating meaningful educational experiences while providing professional development opportunities for artists.

Program Requirements:

  • Residencies must be 1-5 full days
  • Must include a public capstone event showcasing student work
  • Applications due 30 days before planned residency start date
  • No matching funds required
  • Previous recipients may reapply

Application Timeline:

  • Applications by August 1: Notification in mid-September
  • Applications by October 1: Notification by end of November
  • Applications by December 1: Notification in mid-January

Free Grant Workshops for Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools:

June 26, 6-8:30p online covering applications process and requirements. Register below:

Learn More/Apply
Register for Workshop

SEMAC’s 2026-2027 Biennial Plan

Every two years, the regional arts councils, including the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC), are required by the Minnesota State Arts Board to develop a Biennial Plan to guide arts funding and programming across the state.  SEMAC’s comprehensive plan to serve the more than 517,000 residents in our 11-county region was informed by feedback from over 200 artists, arts professionals, and community members through a Needs Assessment Survey.  The Plan outlines grant programs, community initiatives, and vital services SEMAC will offer to strengthen regional arts development through targeted leadership, expanded outreach, dedicated advocacy, and enhanced mentorship opportunities. The Plan aims to ensure equitable access to arts resources while fostering diverse artistic and cultural expression throughout southeastern Minnesota.

View SEMAC’s Biennial Plan for FY2026-27:

SEMAC Biennial Plan

Updates to Grant Eligibility

An update on the timing of grant projects. Proposals must be for projects scheduled to begin at least NINETY days after the Final Submission Deadline. This means no expenses may be incurred until after the Start Date selected by the applicant.

Misuse of SEMAC Funds

The Regional Arts Councils’ Misuse of Funds Procedure applies to all grants funded by the Minnesota Legislature and the Minnesota Legacy Amendment or Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

All Grantees are required to acknowledge that they reviewed the SEMAC Misuse of Funds Procedure when signing their contracts. Be advised that there are tiered consequences for misuse of funds based on the grant amounts and the Grantee’s actions.