Hispanic Outreach of Goodhue County's Hispanic Heritage Festival. Photo provided by grant recipient

Current SEMAC Grant Opportunities

Artists and Culture Bearers in the Schools Grant

Deadlines:

Applications received by October 1: Notification by end of November

Applications received by December 1: Notification in mid-January

Programming and Project Support for Organizations Grant

Work of Art Workshops Fall 2025 Business Skills for Artists

& Culture Bearers

SEMAC is excited to start a new partnership with Springboard for the Arts to offer their Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists workshop series virtually for individual artists and culture bearers living in SEMAC’s region. These fall workshops are all FREE to attend, and you can sign up for one, two or all three!

Career Planning - Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 6-9p CT

Where do you want to be both artistically and professionally? Learn how to define your values, identify key choices and develop a plan to achieve your career goals.

Time Management - Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 6-9p CT

Please note that these sessions will not be recorded.

Springboard’s Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists is a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists and culture bearers in all disciplines - visual, performing and literary arts. It starts with career planning and moves through topics like pricing, marketing, funding, and business plans. Work of Art can be helpful if you are just starting your creative career, or if you need a refresher as you advance your work.

The curriculum is available as a free workbook (in English and Spanish) and downloadable from the Springboard for the Arts website as a helpful reference during or after the workshops. 

For more about Springboard's Work of Art program:

SEMAC Skill-Building Workshop Series for Organizations

We're excited to announce a new partnership with Propel Nonprofits and the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement (MAVA) to bring organizations essential professional development opportunities.

We're offering four free online workshops designed specifically for arts organizations in our 11-county region. These sessions will provide practical tools and knowledge to help your organization succeed.

Staff, board members, and volunteers from SEMAC-region arts organizations are eligible to attend. Organizations should designate one or two representatives to attend and share information with their teams.

Upcoming Workshop Schedule

Nonprofit Board Governance - Thursday, October 23, 1-4p

Nonprofit Finance - Thursday, December 4, 1-4p

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention - Thursday, February 19, 1-3p

Strategic Planning and Outcomes - Thursday, April 23, 1-3p

Registration is limited for most workshops and sessions will not be recorded. Sign up for one, two, three, or all four workshops to build your organization's capacity and effectiveness.

September arts and cultural events are made possible through the generous support of Minnesota taxpayers through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. 

Czech Festival

Saturday, September 6 | 12-6p

Friends of the Bohemian Brick Hall

Glenville, MN

The Friends of the Bohemian Brick Hall are hosting their annual Czech Fest, a free community celebration featuring live music by Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen, authentic Czech food including pork and dumplings, and fresh kolache. The festival includes Czech heritage displays, kids' activities, a silent auction, and a raffle with $2,500 in cash prizes. Everyone is welcome to bring chairs and enjoy this outdoor celebration of Czech culture while supporting the restoration of the historic Bohemian Brick Hall.

(How) Can Cartoons Make You Feel? Film Screening

Tuesday, September 9 | 6:30-8p

Northfield Arts Guild

Northfield, MN

See the premiere of artist Jonny Weaver's short documentary titled (How) Can Cartoons Make You Feel? — an intimate look into the life of Northfield artist Noah Sanders as he prepares to release a comic book featuring the beloved woodland creatures he's known for painting. This is a story about the search for meaning in creative work, exploring how an artist navigates the delicate balance between conveying deeply held beliefs and maintaining artistic excellence while crafting an engaging story that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Through Reflections We See Ourselves Artist Reception

Thursday, September 11 | 4:30-9:30p

Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center

Winona, MN

Through Reflections We See Ourselves presents the culmination of a six-week community art project where ten participants made multiple visits to the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Armed with art supplies, each participant documented their personal reflections and responses to the museum experiences, creating original works that have been compiled into a community scrapbook by designer SE Case.

The public event will feature a table display showcasing the completed scrapbook alongside examples of participants' original artwork and large-scale display boards highlighting their creative journey. Facilitator Andy Kranz will be present throughout the evening to share insights about the project and engage with visitors about this innovative intersection of mental health, community building, and arts engagement. This inspiring project demonstrates the power of art to foster reflection, connection, and personal growth within community settings.

O Gaucho Beyond Languages and Borders Ivete Martinez Artist Reception

Thursday, September 11

Northfield Arts Guild

Northfield, MN

Artist Ivete Martinez presents her newest oil painting series celebrating the legendary Gaúcho—the iconic horsemen of South America's pampas. This collection will bring to life the myths, folklore, and deep-rooted traditions of these riders and musicians who embody honor, freedom, and connection to the land. The series aims to introduce Minnesotans to the values and stories of a culture that has shaped South American identity for centuries. Exhibition runs from September 3 to October 5.

You do no have to be good...Dance Theater Performance

September 12 & 13 | 7:30p

Northfield Arts Guild Theater

Northfield, MN

Artist Shari Setchell presents a co-created dance theater piece based on Mary Oliver's poem "Wild Geese." The event combines original music by Samuel Dwyer with dance performances by ten artists: Amber Barksdale, Birch Carlson, Michelle Drenth, Amy Haslett-Marroquin, Emma Kmoch, Martha Larson, Tania Legvold, Elin Odegaard, Wendy Placko, and Shari Setchell. The performance explores themes from Oliver's work through movement and sound. It is a free community event that supports The Northfield Arts Guild and Big Woods Movement Collective through donations.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Saturday, September 13 | 11a-4p

Central Park

Northfield, MN

Friends and Foundation of Northfield Public Library presents this day-long festival celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, dancing, authentic Latin food, and family activities. The free community event features headliner Norteño band Rey de Rancho alongside multiple dance groups including Baila Venezuela, Danza Maya, and Mi Peru.

Activities include a flag parade, live entertainment, arts and crafts, kids' face painting, piñata decorating, alebrije crafting, and STEAM experiments. A pet costume contest adds extra fun for families.

Food trucks offer Mexican, Salvadoran, and Venezuelan specialties, while over 30 craft vendors and community partners provide shopping and resources. The celebration aims to be zero-waste with compostable products and recycling stations.

Hispanic Heritage Festival 2025

Saturday, September 13 | 12p-6p

Central Park

Red Wing, MN

 Hispanic Outreach of Goodhue County presents a community festival celebrating Hispanic culture with live music and dance performances. The event features Mariachi Centenario de Minnesota, salsa and bachata lessons, and dance groups from Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia including Away Runakuna, Kalpulli Ketzalcoatlicue, Kuyayki Perú, Ritmo Latino, and Salsa del Soul. Activities include face painting, balloon art, piñata making, lotería, food demonstrations, and trivia. The free festival includes visual artists and local entrepreneurs.

Minnesota Children's Book Festival

Saturday, September 13 | 11a-4p

Anderson Center at Towerview

Red Wing, MN

This beloved event features presentations of new books by award-winning authors and illustrators writing for young readers through middle grade. Taking place at the Anderson Center’s beautiful, historic Tower View campus, the Children's Book Festival is an ideal opportunity for families to connect, learn and play.

Throughout the afternoon, each author or illustrator presents their work, reads from their book, and participates in a meet & greet and book signing booth. Taking place outdoors, the event also features hands-on activities that engage the mind, body, and imagination. With balloons, facepainting, art-making, kid-friendly food trucks, and more, there's something to delight the inner child in all of us. This event is FREE and all ages are welcome!

Bach at Leipzig by Itamar Moses

Saturday, September 13 | 7p

Central Lutheran Church

Winona, MN

Leipzig, 1722 – the organist of Thomaskirche has died, and the greatest musicians of Germany descend on the city to compete for his position. As they prepare to audition for the city council, the contenders try to improve their own chances through blackmail, skullduggery, poison, and a dreadful case of “bogus fever.” Itamar Moses’s smart, intricate farce explores the conflicts between art, vocation, politics, and religion. The play will be performed as a semi-staged reading at Central Lutheran Church, with live music from its Hendrickson Pipe Organ.

Admission is free, but donations to the host are appreciated! (Suggested: $10 adults, $5 students/seniors)

The Ebb and Flow of Artistic Exploration / El ir y venir de la exploraciòn artìstica Ceciia Cornejo Artist Talk

Thursday, September 18 | 6:30-8p

Northfield Public Library, Atrium

Northfield, MN

Since moving to the United States thirty years ago from her native Chile, Cecilia Cornejo has documented her experiences through film, video, and extensive journal writing. In this talk, Cecilia will share the process of diving into her personal archives to create works that speak to the knotty, layered, and kaleidoscopic nature of the immigrant experience. She will also address the ebb and flow of artistic exploration and how these exploratory processes are vital for artists and their growth. 

Winona Welcoming Week Celebration

Friday, September 19 | 5:30p

Peter's Biergarten

Winona, MN

Join Project FINE for a community celebration with cultural and art displays. There will be a short program to recognize naturalized citizens and celebrate Citizenship Day at 5:30pm, cultural displays, and art created by community members during Project FINE's Cultural Arts & Ancestry project. Plan to stick around for an amazing evening of Salsa music and dancing hosted by River City Dancers/Breitlow Ballroom from 6-11pm!
This annual event is celebrated across the country and was developed by Welcoming America to encourage people of all backgrounds to come together to create stronger communities

Influential Women Robbie Brokken Artist Reception

Friday, September 26 | 1-3p

Harmony Public Library

Harmony, MN

Artist Robbie Brokken created four sculptures on dress forms representing the four women who were most influential in her life. The first sculpture represents her grandmother Anna Friedman who taught her to be brave independent and strong. The second honors her next door neighbor Beverly Panitz who was a painter and inspired her to become an artist. The third sculpture celebrates her best friend Rose Senese who gave her the ocean by letting her stay with the Senese family summer after summer in Montauk New York. The fourth represents her dear friend Betsy Holbrook who has been like a big sister and has taught her about generosity of heart and obtaining wisdom. These sculptures are covered with symbolic vintage items to represent each of the women Brokken focused on.

Straw Marquetry Workshop

Saturday, September 27 | 10a-12p

Winona Art Center

Winona, MN

 Artist Megan McCarthy will lead a free workshop exploring the enchanting 300-year-old art of French straw marquetry. Participants will discover this timeless decorative technique that is rich in history and expression. Attendees will learn the basics and design their own one-of-a-kind keepsake creating a unique piece that highlights their creativity. This free, hands-on experience offers an opportunity to explore a traditional craft and take home a personal artistic creation. Reserve your spot by calling or texting (419) 552-5161.

Paul LeDuc: Painting With Water Mixable Oils

Saturday, September 27 | 5-7p

Chatfield Center for the Arts

Chatfield, MN

Artist Paul LeDuc presents a gallery exhibition showcasing water-mixable oil paintings created during his instructional classes. The free event features works by both the instructor and students, demonstrating painting techniques taught throughout the progressive course series.

The exhibition includes original paintings used for classroom demonstrations as well as finished pieces created by participating artists. Visitors can view examples of water-mixable oil techniques, which offer the lustrous appearance of traditional oils with safer, easier cleanup and no volatile solvents.

The display will remain on view through October.

RNeighbors' Annual Chalk the Block

Saturday, September 27 | 9:30a-5p

Riverside Central Elementary

Rochester, MN

RNeighbors' free community art festival is back, featuring local artists creating chalk murals on pavement while exploring this year's "Origins" theme.

The event includes interactive activities for all ages: poetry experiences, scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, face painting, and a public art mural that everyone can help create. Multicultural food trucks will be available.

AutFest Art Festival

Sunday, September 28 | 11a-4p

Rochester Art Center

Rochester, MN

The Autism Resource Guide and Rochester Art Center collaborate to create a sensory-friendly celebration welcoming everyone to explore art and creativity in an inclusive environment. The free festival features a Special Needs Artist Exhibit alongside interactive artist booths where families can participate in hands-on activities.

Activities include music jam sessions, sound baths, yoga, sensory test labs, wall painting, balloon animals, face painting, and yard games. Families can also enjoy a giant bubble pit and other sensory-friendly experiences designed for all abilities.

The Ongoing Impacts of SEMAC-Funded Projects

We are catching up with previous grant recipients to learn about the lasting impacts of their funded projects. By reconnecting with these individuals and organizations, we aim to share how our grants have benefited artists and their communities. This month, we feature Rocky Casillas Aguirre's U Are the Universe/Eres El Universo.

Rocky Casillas Aguirre at the U Are the Universe/Eres El Universo reception. Photo provided by grant recipient

Rocky Casillas Aguirre believed that creating conversations around mental health in his community required more than just good intentions—it needed creativity, accessibility, and a few cartoon characters that people could actually relate to. With a SEMAC grant and plans for 30 illustrations featuring cartoon guides through stress and anxiety, Aguirre set out to create bilingual artwork that would make these difficult conversations feel less intimidating and more inviting. Aguirre's U Are the Universe/Eres El Universo is an interactive exhibition where visitors can meet 6-foot feelings characters and quirky "Dr. Lola the Axolotl". It's breaking attendance records at the Northfield Arts Guild while sparking the kind of personal, honest conversations about mental health that the Northfield community had been ready to have.

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 is interested in applying for these service opportunities, please follow these links for more information: