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Updates

January 2026 Grant Awards Update

Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools

  • Austin Public Schools, Flipside Brings Rhythm to Austin.
  • Lake City Public Schools, Jazz Festival: Guest Artist Snacklebox.
  • Winona Area Public Schools, Health Mural.
  • James Harper (Riverway Learning Community), Procession of the Species.

General Operating Support

  • Dreamery Rural Arts Initiative, Staffing & Salaries.
  • Zumbro Valley Chorus, Administrative Expenses.
  • Bridge Chamber Music Festival, Staffing & Salaries.
  • Vintage Band Festival, Administrative Expenses.
  • Mid West Music Fest, Staffing & Salaries.

Award amounts and the full county-by county listing are available on the Recent SEMAC Grant Awards page.

SEMAC Individual Artists & Culture Bearers Project Support Grant

Application Window Opens: December 15, 2025 | Deadline: January 19, 2026

These project grants are meant to encourage individual artists and culture bearers living in the 11-county SEMAC region to take the next step in their creative pursuits by providing the financial support needed to experiment, take on a challenge, or deepen their practice. Project Support Grants are offered in two categories, Emerging and Advancing, with award amounts ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 for Emerging applicants and $3,000 to $6,000 for Advancing applicants. Individuals creating new work in all disciplines, including but not limited to, painting, photography, printmaking, textiles, music, dance, theater, performance, storytelling, literary arts, intermedia arts, and traditional arts are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Eligible applicants are individual artists and culture bearers living in the SEMAC region.
  • Grantees whose last award was prior to July 2024 are eligible to apply in this grant round.
  • No overdue final reports. Final reports that are due before a new grant deadline must be approved before applying in the new round.
  • For more eligibility requirements go to our Grant Eligibility and Restrictions page.
Learn More/Apply

Rural Arts Grants Postponed to 2027

These project grants are designed to bring meaningful arts experiences into the smallest rural communities in southeastern Minnesota with populations below 7,500. When the program returns, it will continue to support projects across all artistic disciplines, including painting, photography, printmaking, textiles, music, dance, theater, performance, storytelling, literary arts, intermedia arts, and traditional arts.

Program Overview

Award amount: $3,000 to $6,000
Purpose: To bring arts experiences into the smallest rural communities in southeastern Minnesota with populations below 7,500.
Eligibility: Individual artists or culture bearers living in the 11-county SEMAC region, nonprofit arts organizations, non-arts organizations, or government entities in the rural community where the project will take place.
Key Requirements: Proposed projects must include a collaboration with a local community partner (nonprofit organization, library, government department or agency, tribal entity, etc.), opportunities for active community engagement, and an accessible public event.

Prepare for 2027

While we wait for the program to return, artists and community leaders interested in this grant opportunity are encouraged to explore these valuable resources for inspiration and planning:

We look forward to supporting rural arts projects when this program reopens in 2027. Please check back for updated application deadlines and program details as we get closer to that date.

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
SEMAC Biennial Plan Summary

Updates to Grant Eligibility

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.