This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) invites artists, culture bearers, and organizations to participate in two upcoming virtual workshops in August 2025. These free workshops will provide valuable information about SEMAC's specialized grant programs and professional development opportunities.
Executive Director Anastasia Shartin and Outreach & Accessibility Manager Sharon Mansur will lead the workshops, sharing detailed overviews of SEMAC's grant programs with hands-on application guidance. Participants will receive helpful tips and resources for the application process and have time to connect with other creatives and organizations in the region.
ARTISTS & CULTURE BEARERS IN THE SCHOOLS WORKSHOP Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 6:00-8:30p CST Virtual via Zoom
This workshop focuses on SEMAC's $2,000 to $4,000 grant opportunity designed to provide students with opportunities to work directly with artists and culture bearers during the school day. Executive Director Anastasia Shartin and Outreach & Accessibility Manager Sharon Mansur will guide participants through program guidelines, application strategies, and provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process.
The lead applicant for this grant can either be an individual artist or culture bearer living in the SEMAC region or the school in which the residency will take place. Grant activities must supplement the school's arts curriculum and not be a substitute for these basic requirements.
Applications for the 2025-26 school year will be awarded until available funds run out. Applicants who submit by August 1 will be notified in early September. Applicants who submit by October 1 will be notified in mid-November. Applicants who submit by December 1 will be notified in mid-January.
PROGRAMMING AND PROJECT SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONS WORKSHOP Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 6:00-8:30p CST Virtual via Zoom
This workshop highlights SEMAC's Programming and Project Support for Organizations grants supporting arts creation, performance, publication, and exhibition in southeastern Minnesota. Executive Director Anastasia Shartin will guide participants through these $5,000 presenter/production assistance grants, covering eligibility requirements, application best practices, and offering a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process.
Programming Grants fund activities directly involved in bringing arts experiences to southeastern Minnesota communities. Recipients may reapply annually once previous grant activities are complete. The next Programming and Project Support grant application opens September 1, 2025 with a submission deadline of September 30, 2025.
Find registration links on our website, semac.org. All workshops are free to attend and registration is required for both August workshops. Contact sharon@semac.org, (507) 281-4848, 711 TTY with questions or accessibility needs.
SEMAC serves Region 10, which includes Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona Counties, including the Prairie Island Indian Community.
For more information, visit semac.org or contact the office at 507-281-4848.
