The Arts Thrive in Southeastern Minnesota

SEMAC Awards Grants to 49 Outstanding Organizations

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council is committed to supporting arts and non-arts organizations throughout the 11-county region, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth. The primary way we do this is through grant-making. On November 14, the Board of Directors approved 49 grants to organizations for a total of $334,910! This brings us to a grand total of $544,410 awarded to 93 artists and arts organizations this fiscal year!

The next grant opportunities open December 1 for individual artists and February 1 for organizations. To learn more, go to Grants - Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (semac.org).

See Recent Awards

Support the Arts this Holiday Season

Whether it's by attending live performances, purchasing handmade gifts by local artists, or donating to your favorite arts organizations -- remember to include the arts in your celebration and gift-giving plans this holiday season. Below are a few ideas of fun things to do with your loved ones, all made possible with support from SEMAC!

Norway - From the Ground Up

Saturday, December 2 | 1p

Sons of Norway Hall

Lanesboro, MN

Artist Barbara Jeffers invites us to experience Norway through a memorable presentation featuring a series of photographs and descriptions of the lives, landscapes, and culture of today's Norwegian residents.

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The Hot Flashes Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 2 | 7p

Widespot Performing Arts

Wabasha, MN

The Hot Flashes deliver a live, on-stage performance with new music, more brass, and every bit of their usual sass. These ladies always showcase their talents and provide an evening of delight and enjoyment!

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Rochester Male Chorus Presents A Jazzy Christmas

Sunday, December 3 | 1:30p

Bethel Lutheran Church

Rochester, MN

The Rochester Male Chorus performs their 93rd Annual holiday concert! With special guests Nathan's Jazzers, Tom Overlie, and seven high school members.

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Sing Out Loud Presents A Bella Christmas: Peaceful Rest

Friday, December 8 | 7p

Saturday, December 9 | 2p

Trinity Lutheran Church

Rochester, MN

Join Bella Voce and Bella Fiore as we lean into the Christmas Season with A Bella Christmas: Peaceful Rest. This performance includes guest artists The Lone Canary and will feature both new and traditional carols.

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Low Hanging Fruit Poetry Book & Reading

Thursday, December 21 | 4:30p

Freeborn County Arts Initiative

Albert Lea, MN

Artist and writer Susanne Crane delivers a poetry reading event that celebrates the launch of "Low Hanging Fruit," a collection of finely crafted poems that delve into observations about society, the evolving natural world, and our capacity to adapt our behaviors when necessary. A book signing and Q&A session will follow her reading. That day also is FCAI's end of year party -- come early to experience the gallery's Photo Fun in Christmasland and stay after the reading for a Solstice music program!

And, if you are looking for more artful things to do this holiday season, follow these links to find arts organizations near you:

Multidisciplinary

Visual Arts

Literary Arts

Music

Theatre

Dance

Workshop Opportunities

Learn How to Fund Your Work with Individual Artist Grants

Wednesday, December 6 | 6-8pm

Red Wing Arts & Creative Center

Red Wing, MN

Anastasia Shartin (SEMAC's Executive Director) and local artist Dawn Zero Erickson will lead a discussion covering the key components of SEMAC's individual artist grant writing process. By the end of this FREE presentation, participants will have a clear understanding of the grant writing process for SEMAC Individual Artist Grants and gain the tools necessary to complete a competitive application.

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Artist Development Workshop Series 2024

Thursday, January 11 | 6-8pm

Northfield Arts Guild & Online

Northfield, MN

Join the Northfield Arts Guild and fellow artists from Southeastern Minnesota for this FREE monthly collaborative series covering a range of topics tailored to the needs of individual artists.

This year-long series, which will take place at locations throughout the region and online, kicks off with the topic "Making a Living as an Artist" to be hosted by the Northfield Arts Guild. More information and a complete schedule for the series is coming soon.

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Get Involved with SEMAC

SEMAC is committed to building bridges and nurturing meaningful relationships. We are seeking artists, arts professionals, and arts enthusiasts to join our Arts Advisory Panel and Board of Directors. The Panel is responsible for reviewing grant applications and making funding recommendations to the Board.

If you or someone you know would be interested in applying for these service opportunities, please follow these links for more information:

Arts Advisory Panel

Board of Directors

SEMAC activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.