Painting of flowers using natural dyes by Judy Saye-Willis

Emergency Relief Fund Applications Now Open

Q&A Sessions and Step-by-Step Video

Friday, May 8, 2026 | 2-3p CT

and

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 6-7p CT

SEMAC staff is holding two virtual Q&A sessions about the ERF program and application process. A video recording that goes through the application step-by-step also is available. Register below for one of the Q&A's and follow the link to watch the video.

NEW! SEMAC Resource Lists

To support Southeastern Minnesota artists and culture bearers beyond grants and workshops, SEMAC has compiled several extensive resource lists on various topics. Follow these links to learn more:

Upcoming Workshops

Community Care for Creatives:

with Sarah Johnson

Photo submitted by Sarah Johnson

A Moment to Breathe & Be Together

Taking a moment to pause, breathe, and be together can offer a brief respite when the demands, injustices, and strains of the world don't stop. Join us for a free, 15-minute virtual opportunity to reset together with community engaged artist Sarah Johnson of The Joy Labs, hosted by SEMAC. Sarah will offer a short framing and a guided practice to tap into our own wisdom and groundedness. Attend one, two, or all three sessions as works for you.

Virtual Sessions

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
12-12:15p CT

Wednesday, May 27, 2026
12-12:15p CT

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
12-12:15p CT

Virtual via Zoom. 

Free, registration required. 

You are invited to drop in at any point during the sessions. 

Please note that these sessions will not be recorded. 

Automated Zoom captions will be available.

SEMAC In-Person Workshop Opportunity this June!

Project Support for Individual Artists & Culture Bearers Grant Workshop

Adult and Youth Workshop at Mainspring led by Melissa Wray, 2024

All creatives in our region are invited to join SEMAC staff at our upcoming free in-person grant workshop for individual artists and culture bearers at Mainspring, a nonprofit community arts organization in Caledonia, MN. We will share an overview of our grant programs and professional development opportunities, discuss the process of applying for a Project Support for Individual Artists & Culture Bearers Grant (the next deadline is Tuesday, July 28, 2026), and share helpful tips and resources. Light refreshments will be provided, as well as time for conversation and connection.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 6-8p

Mainspring | Caledonia, MN

Pre-registration is encouraged.

May's arts and cultural events are made possible with the generous support of Minnesota taxpayers through the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 

Roberto Returns to Celebrate American Music - "Rhapsody in Blue" and the New World Symphony

Sunday, May 3 | 2p

Knowlton Auditorium

Austin, MN

Renowned Italian pianist Roberto Plano returns to celebrate American music with the most famous of all American piano pieces: George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." Plano has won numerous international piano competitions and is one of Austin's most beloved guest artists. The Symphony also performs the "Overture to Candide" by Leonard Bernstein and closes this amazing season with Dvorak's iconic "New World Symphony," inspired by the composer's time in the Upper Midwest.

Concert art creator: Lilly Quest

A Bella Spring Concert: From the Heart

Sunday, May 3 | 2:30p & 6p

Trinity Lutheran Church

Rochester, MN

Join Sing Out Loud for A Bella Spring Concert: From the Heart as they celebrate women in music and the beauty of friendship and togetherness! Enjoy musical selections composed by fabulous women such as Elaine Hagenberg, Laura Farnell, and Minnesota composer Grace Becker. Your heart is sure to be moved through this touching musical experience.

With a Twist

Tuesday, May 5 | 7-8p

Frank W. Bridges Theatre Riverland Community College

Austin, MN

This concert features songs that are set to unexpected styles. The Austin CommUNITY choir and MacPhail soloists will present Catholic Mass and Beethoven in gospel settings, rock as contemporary a cappella, and more. Guest musicians and MacPhail students will join the choir in this unique and fun concert.

Leaf & Sky utility box wrap art created by Lyle/Pacelli Art Students

The Power of Art: Utility Box Art Unveiling

Friday, May 15 | 12:30p

Outside Austin Public Library

Austin, MN

The Austin Culture and Arts Commission proudly unveils one of nine newly commissioned artistic utility wraps created by local artists and art students, expanding the city's commitment to public art youth engagement and neighborhood beautification. These installations are part of a citywide public art initiative that responds to community feedback calling for more positive and engaging visual spaces. Building on the success of two pilot programs completed in 2025, they transform frequently vandalized utility boxes into vibrant works of art.

Jamming in SEMBA barn

SEMBA 2026
Bluegrass Festival

May 15-17

Various Times

Cushon's Peak Campground

Houston, MN

Join the Southeastern Minnesota Bluegrass Association for their 2026 Bluegrass Festival. This family-friendly event consists of three days full of workshops, a youth showcase, camping, performances, and a celebration of bluegrass traditions.

The SpongeBob Musical

May 15-31

Various Times

Rochester Civic Theatre

Rochester, MN

When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

Community Unity Day

Friday, May 15 | 4-7p
Faribault Middle School
Faribault, MN


The Faribault Public Schools Community Unity Day brings community together, provides resources to families, and creates a space where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and honored. Please join us for an evening filled with resources, fun family activities, a movie, and food!

Discover Botanical Inks with Judy Saye-Willis

Saturday, May 16 | 10a-1p

Red Wing Arts Clay & Creative Center

Red Wing, MN

In this workshop, which is part of Red Wing Arts "The Artist's Studio Series", students will learn how to make botanical inks using easily-sourced local plants and materials. Discover how to harvest and collect materials, prepare the inks, and use them for a variety of applications. There will also be time to experiment with the inks made in class using brushes on paper. These inks can also be used with dip pens. Students will get to keep four small bottles of ink to take home with them.

Brock's Playlist

Sunday, May 17 | 7-9p

Bethel Lutheran Church

Rochester, MN

Rochester Pops Orchestra invites you to experience the magic of "Brock's Playlist" during an unforgettable evening featuring selections straight from their maestro's personal playlist. With talented vocalists Kimberly Collins, Audrey Rinkoski, Samantha Ryan, Leslie Meyer, Darren Saner, Andy Buchholz, Anthony McClellan, and Dylon Starr, the stage comes alive with music made famous by artists like Hans Zimmer, Lara Fabian, Owl City, Tina Arena, Sting, and many more.

Gao Hong, Chinese Pipa Player/Composer./Educator/Improvisor, Transglobal World Music Hall of Fame Inductee (2025)

Carleton Music Ensemble and Global Chamber Ensemble Spring Concert

Sunday, May 17 | 3p

Carleton College | Kracum Performance Hall

Northfield, MN

The Carleton Chinese Music Ensemble and Global Chamber Ensemble will present a spring concert featuring a new work by Gao Hong, in collaboration with guest artist flamenco guitarist Ben Abrahamson.

Show poster designed by Julie Van Grol

Taking Flight: SEMYO Spring Finale

Sunday, May 17 | 2p & 3:30p

Century High School Auditorium

Rochester, MN

The Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestra (SEMYO) spring finale Taking Flight will feature all five SEMYO ensembles and be presented in two concerts. Each group will perform a variety of original and arranged works for band and orchestra, and the advanced Concert Orchestra will finish the season with performances of the soundtrack from How to Train Your Dragon and the explosive finale from Hector Berlioz's Symphonic Fantastique.

2026 Young Authors Young Artists Conference

May 19, 20, 21 | 8:15a-1:30p

Heintz Center | Rochester Community and Technical Center

Rochester, MN

The Young Authors Young Artists Elementary Conference (YAYA) is a three-day event for southeast Minnesota students in grades 3-5 at which experienced presenters share their specialized skills in creative fields. Students attend one of the conference days and participate in three of fourteen sessions to learn and create original works of art guided by professional authors, artists, musicians, art educators, and more. While the registration deadline has passed for this specific event, this is an annual event, and registration information comes out in early spring each year.

Strategic Planning Meeting in Review

Dr. Matt Hillmann facilitating SEMAC's strategic planning meeting March 25, 2026 in Rochester, MN

To prepare for SEMAC's 50th anniversary in the fall of 2027, the Board and staff will be rewriting our mission, vision, and values. Thank you to everyone who responded to a survey sent out earlier this year to kick off the process! In the survey we sought feedback on our current language, asking what resonated and what modifications would strengthen the statements.


The next step was an in-person meeting on March 25 with more than 20 invited participants from throughout the SEMAC region who also represented a range of creative practices and perspectives. At this meeting, which was facilitated by Dr. Matt Hillmann, superintendent of Northfield Public Schools, we shared the survey results and dove deeper into the work of reimagining words and phrases to describe the future of SEMAC.


This group's input will now be shared with the Board at our June retreat where Dr. Hillmann will lead a brainstorming session to develop new mission, vision, and values statements that SEMAC will use to guide our work into the next 50 years!


Look for updates in an upcoming e-newsletter!

SEMAC in Motion:
Sharon Mansur Engages with Red Wing's Creative Community

Sharon Mansur (SEMAC Outreach & Accessibility Manager) and Jessalyn Finch (artist, Rochester) at ARTSpeak, March 10, 2026 at Red Wing Arts. photo by Heather Lawrenz (Red Wing Arts Assistant Director)

Sharon Mansur, SEMAC’s Outreach and Accessibility Manager, was thrilled to participate again in Red Wing Arts’ ARTSpeak professional development program on March 10. Along with Jessalyn Finch, Rochester based interdisciplinary artist (and SEMAC grantee), they discussed arts grants and other funding opportunities for creatives, shared best practices and resources for grant writing, and their own personal experiences as artists. Sharon appreciated the engaging questions and conversations that evening, and was inspired by Red Wing’s creative community.

If you're interested in inviting Sharon to participate in your community engagement event, contact her directly at sharon@semac.org or 507.322.1088, 711 TTY.

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.

We currently have vacancies on the Board for representatives from Fillmore, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona Counties.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for these service opportunities, please follow the links below for more information.