Mission

Two youth theatre participants in a wildflower meadow creating a whimsical scene: one person in dark clothing holds up a large painted sun on a blue canvas board above their head, while another person in green clothing wears orange and yellow flower petal cutouts arranged like a sunflower around their head. They stand among tall grasses and purple wildflowers with trees visible in the background." — Participants of “Flourish Summer Camp” Photo provided by grant recipient

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.