ABOUT US
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc. (SEMAC) is one of eleven Regional Arts Councils designated by the State of Minnesota to make final decisions on the use of appropriations for local/regional arts development. SEMAC has served Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona counties since 1977 and is charged with assessing regional needs and planning and administering programs and services using its legislative allocation.
Mission
SEMAC exists to encourage, promote, and assist regional arts development by providing leadership, outreach, advocacy, mentorship, grants, and services.
Vision
- All community members are inspired to take part in the arts and build partnerships that promote the arts and artists.
- New culturally rich artistic opportunities are incorporated into our communities while preserving our existing artistic heritages.
- Community members, leaders, and policy-makers foster a climate that celebrates imagination, creativity, innovation, and excellence that encourages life-long participation in the arts.
Core Values
SEMAC seeks out and rewards creative efforts of high artistic integrity that stand out among similar efforts.
SEMAC believes that high quality art should be challenging and original, able to illuminate the human condition and serve the vital interests of the community.
Rooted in basic human values, SEMAC believes that art should move the imagination and the heart, and enrich rather than merely entertain.
SEMAC believes that art should be artistically challenging for both the artists and the audience, and should significantly contribute to the development and enrichment of a given art form(s).
SEMAC funded artists must demonstrate serious training with reputable teachers or mentors, a commitment to their art form and life as an artist, and present art of lasting value.
Biennial Plan
Click here for information regarding the SEMAC Biennial Plan for FY2024-25.