In this issue:
- A message from SMAC Executive Director
- SMAC hosts virtual session for Granite Falls City Artist in Residence Program
- SMAC awards $1,983 to local arts organizations
- Upcoming grant deadlines & workshops
Pictured: The Granite Falls City-Artist-in-Residence Advisory Team. Be sure to learn more about this project and how your city could have their own similar program by attending SMAC's virtual informational session on Tuesday, January 19th. See the article below for more information!
|
|
A Message from the SMAC Executive Director |
|
I felt a LOT OLDER this New Year's Day -- as if the past 365 days had actually been extended; multiplied by 5... or 10. Had a decade of time been secretly added to my life? Had some evil magician brought confusion and uncertainty to even the most mundane tasks of the past year? In a way, I admitted to myself this was true and I am certain that we all had similar feelings when reflecting on the past year. We all miss "normal".
New Year's Day isn't just about reflecting (and dwelling on the past). It also means looking forward and for me, like a lot of others, setting goals. What are the next 365 days going to bring? What should the SW MN Arts Council set as plans and goals?
Oh boy, that question brings more confusion and uncertainty.
What we DO know is that 2021 is going to bring continued support of the arts. We know that as part of our 'Mission, Vision and Values' we are committed to:
- Supporting artists and arts organizations in creating, producing and presenting high-quality arts activities
- Overcoming barriers to accessing high quality arts activities
- Instilling the arts into the community and public life in our region
- Supporting high-quality, age-appropriate arts education for residents of all ages to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of the arts
- Supporting events and activities that represent the diverse ethnic and cultural arts traditions including folk and traditional artists and art organizations, represented in this region
These things are set in stone. No pandemic can change these commitments.
The board and staff of the SW MN Arts Council are gathering together for multiple in-depth planning sessions over the next month to figure out how we can best uphold the above commitments in 2021. And while we don't exactly know what "normal" is going to be like in the next 365 days, we do know that art -- in all of its amazing, inspiring forms -- will persevere.
As you make plans and set goals for this bright & shiny new year, please know that we will be here to support your art and the ways that you share art with all of the communities in Southwest Minnesota.
|
|
SMAC invites you to attend a virtual informational session for artists, arts organizations, and city government on
Granite Fall's first City Artist-in-Residence Program!
|
|
WHAT: Meet the artist and facilitators, hear what they've been up to, and learn the steps & processes to start thinking about bringing a City Artist-in-Residence (CAIR) program to your town!
Generated as a partnership between Department of Public Transformation (DoPT) and the City of Granite Falls, the Granite Falls CAIR Program received unanimous approval from the City Council and was designed with a local cross-sector CAIR Advisory Group. This small town CAIR program is the first of its kind in the country, fostering cultural work that sits at the intersection of civic, social, and place-based practice in a rural setting.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 19 starting at 2:30 pm
WITH GUEST SPEAKERS:
|
|
|
|
Ashley Hanson
Hanson is the founder of the Department of Public Transformation (DoPT), an artist-led organization that collaborates with local leaders in rural areas to develop creative strategies for community connection and civic participation. The DoPT is the organization that spear-headed the Granite Falls City-in-Artist program with with city. Hanson is also the founder of PlaceBase Productions, a theater company that creates original, site-specific musicals celebrating small town life, and she was recently named a 2018 Obama Foundation Fellow and a 2019 Bush Fellow for her work with rural communities.
|
|
|
|
Michele Huggins
Huggins is the City Artist-in-Residence Coordinator for the DoPT. Previously, Huggins had careers in education and finance. In her current consultant work, she utilizes her skills from undergraduate work at UMCP (BA), graduate work at Cardinal Stritch University (MBA), and her Project Management Certification. Huggins also volunteers at the KK Berge and serves on the Granite Area Arts Council to further support local arts through community civic involvement. She also operates a small business called Doughp Creations, focusing on providing her customers with quality organic fermented drinks and sourdough bread.
|
|
|
|
Dani Prados
After distributing a national Call for Artists and working with a selection committee of local City officials, business owners, artists and residents, Dani Prados (previously based in Taos, NM) was selected as the first Granite Falls City Artist in Residence! Prados began her work in Granite Falls in October of 2020 and will remain living and working in and with the community for one year. Her role is to design and implement arts and cultural strategies that increase civic participation and community engagement in City policy-making, planning and public processes.
|
|
Prados was born in Washington DC and originally destined to be a marine biologist, but instead fell enthralled to the power of story and has designed, directed, production managed, devised, and produced theatre, narrative and experimental film, short form content, multi-sensory art installations, immersive performances and transmedia for almost fifteen years in locations across the USA and Great Britain. |
|
Please join SMAC on Tuesday, January 19 @ 2:30 pm to learn more!
|
|
SMAC Awards $1,983 to local arts organizations |
|
The following two arts organizations were awarded a total of $1,983 for our Going Virtual: Equipment, Technology & Training Grants. These grants provide up to $1,000 to arts organizations in the SMAC service region for equipment or technology that will allow them to provide virtual events and programming. Applicants can also use the funds to participate in “go-virtual” training or consultations.
- The Blue Mound Area Theatre/The Palace Theatre in Luverne has been awarded $995 to purchase a camera (and a bundle of useful accessories) capable of streaming and recording events at the Palace Theatre. They also plan to purchase a hard drive for storage of large video files. The applicant says once they have the equipment, they plan to invite musicians to record performances on-stage for distribution online. In March they are hoping to have their first live theatre program in a year and the equipment will be used to share with audiences online.
-
The Wilder Pageant Committee in Walnut Grove was awarded $988 for technology purchases such as a YOLOBOX switcher/streaming hardware and a video production light for better video image. This will help the Wilder Pageant in creating short marketing videos for Facebook and Youtube that can be adapted quickly depending on the path of the current pandemic. The applicant said this project will help rebuild their marketing plan in a cost effective and flexible manner.
|
|
We have given out a total of eight Going Virtual Grants, and we still have funds designated for four more!
|
|
Next in the Gallery:
DAKOTA COMMUNITY ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE (CAIR)
Supporting Artist-Led Solutions to COVID-19 Related Challenges
The Department of Public Transformation (DoPT), Dakota Wicohan, and Racing Magpie collaborated to co-design the Dakota Community Artist-in-Residence (CAIR) program -- a pilot project supporting artist-led solutions to community challenges impacting the Upper and Lower Sioux Communities during the COVID-19 crisis. For the pilot Dakota CAIR program, three Dakota artists based in the 18-county Southwestern Mnisota region, Pezihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community) and Cansa’yapi (Lower Sioux Indian Community) were selected to work for two weeks “at-home” to utilize their artistic practice to design and implement a creative project addressing the impacts of COVID-19 on their community. Click HERE for a recording of an interview with the artists.
DAKOTA CAIR ARTISTS: FERN CLOUD, TALON CAVENDER-WILSON, AND LISA NEZ!
Starting January 14 through February 26 the SMAC Gallery is proud to present the three works of art from the Dakota Community Artists-In-Residence. The gallery will exhibit Fern Cloud's traditional painting on deer hide, blacksmith artist Talon Cavender-Wilson's series of three metal bowls, and Lisa Nez's infant-sized moccasins showcasing her traditional knowledge and artistic beading talents.
|
|
Join SMAC on Thursday, January 14th starting at 5:30 pm for a virtual artist reception and talk with the Dakota CAIR artists!
|
|
Fern Cloud:
Cloud said "...this was really a challenge to accomplish in two weeks." Fern created a traditional painting on deer hide called “Kinship” which tells the visual story of how “one must be a good relative because Mitákuye Oyás'iŋ (we are all related).” Fern uses brain-tanned hides, buffalo bones and willow stick brushes and only natural pigments to create her traditional hide paintings. This particular image starts with a star, which signifies the creation story at Bdote. Watch the full interview here, passcode if needed is 3PGM8S0+.
|
|
Talon Cavender-Wilson:
Cavender-Wilson said the residency was "...quite a learning experience." He explained that he started the COVID-19 quarantine on a mountain in Sweden studying blacksmithing – and then moved home to Upper Sioux to similar quarantine conditions in his personal forge. He was heavily focused on social justice issues and their effect and heard a quote that truly impacted the basis for this project. The quote was, “If you don’t hear us when we whisper, you’ll hear us when we shout.” This made him consider the sound metal makes when struck. The project involved making a series of metal bowls: 1) a perfect bowl with clear perfect sound 2) an imperfect bowl with holes, cracks and chains and 3) another imperfect bowl with holes, cracks, chains and the addition of marbles. The message is that all three bowls make sound, but the impacts of social inequity put more and more stress on marginalized communities and so polite conversation (the perfect sound of bowl #1) are changed with the addition of holes, cracks, and the chains of inequity. The marbles represent the public outpouring of angst in the face of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of police. When you strike the third bowl – the sound is short and unpleasant. Watch the full interview here, passcode if needed is 3PGM8S0+.
|
|
Lisa Nez:
Nez made a beautiful pair of infant-sized moccasins showcasing her traditional knowledge and artistic beading talents. She shared that if pushed she could probably make a pair of child mocs in 4-6 hours! An important part of this residency was a video of all the steps involved in making a pair of moccasins. This video has been shared with the community. According to Nez, “with quarantines and the pandemic, it is a good time to watch this training video and get started on this tradition.” People can get stuck in times of trial and not have the energy to do art. This project may help people get kick-started. Watch the full interview here, passcode if needed is 3PGM8S0+.
|
|
Join SMAC on Thursday, January 14th starting at 5:30 pm for a virtual artist reception and talk with the Dakota CAIR artists!
|
|
These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Additional funding provided by The McKnight Foundation. Minnesota thrives when its artists thrive. The McKnight Foundation supports working artists to create and contribute to vibrant communities.
|
|
If you visit our grants pages at swmnarts.org/grants/ you will see a drop down menu on the right that's titled Grants Awarded, which will allow you to select the year you're interested in. This might give you ideas on what other organizations or artists in your region or county close to you have done with SMAC funds. This could help generate ideas on what sort of projects are eligible for you or your organization. You might also be able to use past recipients as another resource for learning about our grant process. |
|
-
Provides up to $1,000 to arts organizations in the SMAC service region for equipment or technology that will allow them to provide virtual events and programming. Applicants can also use the funds to participate in “go-virtual” training or consultations. No match requirements.
**Monthly Arts Organization Grants Are BACK!**
Applications Due January 1, February 1, March 1, April 1, 4:30 pm, 2021. Monthly Arts Organization grants are on a first-come, first served monthly deadline until all funds have been expended. Deadline is the 1st of each month, 4:30 pm, January-April 2021. Earliest project start date is the first day of the following month after board action.
-
Arts Organization Development grants provide arts organization in the SMAC region with up to $2,500 in matching funds to increase their long-term stability and capacity through organizational development and management projects. **Click here to view a recording of our November 18, 2020 webinar.**
-
Arts Organization Start Up grants provide arts organizations with at least two years of programming up to $2,000 to develop articles of incorporation, by-laws, and apply for their 501(c)(3) status. **Click here to view a recording of our November 18, 2020 webinar.**
** Click here to view a recording of our December 3, 2020 webinar**
-
Individual Emerging Artist Grants provide up to $2,500 to aid emerging artists at an early stage of their career development with projects that will advance their career. No match requirements. **Click here to view a recording of our December 3, 2020 webinar**
-
Individual Established Career Grants provide up to $7,000 to aid established career artists in the advanced stage of their career development with projects that will advance their career. No match requirements. **Click here to view a recording of our December 3, 2020 webinar**
-
Grants to schools for artist residencies or field trips that include educator training and community involvement; juried student art exhibits; and prepackaged theater experiences. Up to $4,000 (artist residencies) or $2,500 (field trips, juried exhibits, or prepackaged theatre). No cash match required. **Click here to view a recording of our December 15, 2020 webinar**
-
Provides arts organizations with up to $10,000 in matching funds for the purchase of equipment items and facilities improvements that will strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve the arts needs of the SMAC region. No cash match required this year. **Grantwriting Webinar: January 5, Noon-1 pm. Register here!**
-
Provides organizations in the SMAC region with up to $20,000 to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts through large-scale projects that will leave an arts legacy in Southwest Minnesota. No cash match required this year. **Grantwriting Webinar: January 21, Noon-1 pm. Register here!**
-
Provides organizations in the SMAC region with up to $7,000 in matching funds to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts (pre-packaged theatre residencies limited to $2,500). No cash match required this year. **Grantwriting Webinar: February 11, Noon-1 pm. Register here!**
- Provides up to $500 to allow young artists entering grades 5 – 12 to attend an enrichment camp or specialty study. Standard weekly lessons (such as piano or voice lessons) are allowed only for those students who qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program. Arts supplies costs are allowed for students attending a MN public arts high school. No match requirements.**Grantwriting Webinar: February 18, 5:30-6:30 pm. Register here!**
|
|
-
Provides arts organizations with up to $10,000 in matching funds for the purchase of equipment items and facilities improvements that will strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve the arts needs of the SMAC region. No cash match required this year. **Grantwriting Webinar: January 5, 12-1 pm. Register here!**
-
Art Legacy Project Planning grants provide organizations with up to $2,500 to plan for a specific large-scale project or activity that will create or advance a strong arts legacy in Minnesota.
- Provides organizations in the SMAC region with up to $7,000 in matching funds to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts (pre-packaged theatre residencies limited to $2,500). No cash match required this year. **Grantwriting Webinar: February 11, Noon-1 pm. Register here!**
-
Provides up to $500 to allow young artists entering grades 5 – 12 to attend an enrichment camp or specialty study. Standard weekly lessons (such as piano or voice lessons) are allowed only for those students who qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program. Arts supplies costs are allowed for students attending a MN public arts high school. No match requirements.**Grantwriting Webinar: February 18, 5:30-6:30 pm. Register here!**
|
|
For more opportunities and resources be sure to check our the latest news posts (updated DAILY!) on SMAC's website:
|
|
SMAC is still seeking representatives from Lac qui Parle County and McLeod County to serve on it’s Board of Directors.
If you live or work in Lac qui Parle or McLeod county and are interested in a position on our board here are some details: The Board meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday evening, currently virtually, to set policies, make final decisions on grant awards with input from grant review panels, share ideas and information from their representative counties, and to design programs that enable SMAC to best serve our communities. To learn more and to fill out an application, please go to
|
|
Memberships
From November 26 to December 28, 2020
Contributors: Kathy Anderson, Granite Falls • Prairie Arts Chorale, Marshall • Helen Pedersen, Marshall • Carol Reuvers, Marshall • Darlene Kotelnicki, Litchfield • Friends of the Arts, Renville •
Supporters: Karen Odden, Granite Falls • Newberg Sky Spray/Ed & Connie Newburg, Hector • Richard & Sherry Hauck, Madison • Timothy Krause & Robert Dell, Portland, OR •
Sustainer: Joan Olson, Canby • Marie & Tim Ostby, Spicer •
Patron: James & Sydney Nesbitt Massee, Appleton •
General Donations: Joyce Meyer, Canby • Cindy Demers, Dawson • Darlene Kotelnicki, Litchfield •
|
Would you like to become a contributing member of SMAC or make a donation?
The arts have suffered tremendously since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our arts organizations and individual artists have had to modify, postpone or cancel most, if not all of their projects and events, since March of this year. These closures mean lost income and lost opportunities. Although we will certainly see a reduction of funding from our state funding which comes from sales tax revenues, the SW MN Arts Council will continue working to support and fund arts access for the citizens of your county. We need you to help us support the arts.
You help by contributing online or by mail, for more information, visit:
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS!
|
Check out our regional arts calendar!
We are continuing to post both in-person and virtual arts events in our region on our website calendar. If you have events to let us know about, please email the details to info@swmnarts.org!
|
2020 SW MN Arts Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
|
Big Stone - Janine Teske
Jackson - Kristen Kuipers
Lincoln - Mark Wilmes
Meeker - Darlene Kotelnicki
Pipestone - Erica Volkir
Rock - Shawn Kinsinger &
Louella Voigt
|
|
Chippewa - Georgette Jones
Kandiyohi - Cheri Buzzeo
Lyon - Michele Knife Sterner
Murray - Jessica Welu
Redwood - David KelseyBassett
Swift - Alison Nelson
|
|
Cottonwood - Anna Johannsen
Nobles - Cheryl Avenel-N
Renville-Anne O'Keefe-Jackson
Yellow Medicine-Betsy Pardick
|
|
 |
Executive Director - Nicole DeBoer
|
|
|
|
Grants/Financial Administrator - Caroline Koska
Marketing Coordinator/Receptionist - Krystl Louwagie
|
|
|
|
SW MN Arts Council
The Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting and encouraging the development of the arts in the eighteen counties of southwestern Minnesota by serving as a source of funds and technical services which enable local organizations, educational institutions, and individuals to sponsor and/or create and promote the arts in their communities.
SMAC receives funding from individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, cities, counties, private foundations including the McKnight Foundation, an allocation from the State of Minnesota, and a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, made possible by the voters of Minnesota.
Thank you for supporting the arts in the southwest Minnesota region!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
