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SEMAC Funds 59 Visionary Projects in Southeastern Minnesota

Gammel Dag Fest - Peterson, MN

59 Outstanding Organizations Awarded Grants

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council is committed to supporting arts and non-arts organizations throughout the 11-county region. The primary way we do this is through grant-making. On May 21, 2024, the SEMAC Board of Directors awarded grants to 59 organizations for a total of $387,630. This includes 35 Legacy Grants, 13 Programming Grants, 10 Small Towns/Rural Areas Grants and one $500 Opportunity Grant. Congratulations to those organizations awarded, and we look forward to following your projects!

See Recent Awards

Apply for an Individual Artist Grant

The next round of grant opportunities for individual artists in Southeastern Minnesota opens on June 1. The deadline for the Letter of Intent (Part 1) is Monday, July 1. Once the LOI is submitted, eligible applicants will have until July 11 to submit their final applications. The earlier the LOI is accepted, the more time applicants have to complete their application. If you have questions about the process, please reach out to Karen Miller at the SEMAC office (507.281.4848) or staff@semac.org.

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June's SEMAC-Funded

Capstone Events

An exciting start to a summer full of SEMAC-funded arts events! See what's happening near you in June.

Kevin and Simone smile at each other with their instrument in front of a brightly lit window

Kevin Kling and Simone Perrin

Saturday, June 1 | 7p

Widespot Performing Arts Center

Wabasha, MN


Kevin Kling and Simone Perrin are charm personified. Kevin is a superb storyteller, having performed on the radio and storytelling events around the country. Simone plays the accordion for musical interludes. Together, they make magic.


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Whimsical, hand drawn Art in the Park logo

Raku Fired Pottery presented by

Alexis Zaccariello

Saturday, June 15 | 10a-5p

Art in the Park - Lanesboro Arts

Lanesboro, MN


Meet exhibiting Art in the Park artist Alexis Zaccariello as she displays a unique body of durable, food-safe, smoke-fired tableware that feels great to hold! See the culmination of research into sealing, safety testing and other artists' processes.


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Cartoon Annie Logo

Summerset Community Theatre: Annie

June 13, 14, 15, 21, 22 | 7p

June 16, 23 | 2pm

Frank W. Bridges Theatre

Austin, MN


Experience the uplifting tale of the plucky little orphan who charms a nation! Set in 1930s NYC, Annie escapes the cruel orphanage to find adventure, befriending the President and a billionaire along the way. Don't miss Annie's inspirational journey of hope, friendship, and finding a new family against all odds.

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Bright Red and Gold Steam Organ on Wheels

Music from Steam at Winona Steamboat Days 2024

Sunday, June 16 | 12p

Hesper-Mabel Steam Calliope

Parade | Noon Calliope Concert at Sinclair Park | 2p

Winona, MN


Experience a rare musical treat! Toot & Whistle Inc. is bringing the historic Hesper-Mabel Steam Calliope to community events across SE Minnesota. This antique yet magnificent instrument will delight audiences with traditional American tunes from bygone eras. Don't miss your chance to be transported back in time by two of the finest steam calliopists in the world today. Enjoy the sights and sounds reminiscent of early 20th-century traveling circuses and parades and learn the history and legacy of the former Winona Steam Calliope.

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Rustic Outdoor Sign with DreamAcres painted on

Lanesboro Barn Dance Solstice Dance

Friday, June 21 | 7:30p

DreamAcres Farm

Wykoff, MN


The Lanesboro Barn Dance was begun in 1995 by Bob Bovee & Gail Heil. It is an old-fashioned square dance, typical of many of the dances held throughout the Midwest in the past, in barns, homes, and community halls. Dancers need not have prior experience, nor do they need to come with a partner.

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An artist paints Plein Air under a tree with a city scape in the backgroun

Plein Air First Glimpse

Awards Reception

Friday, June 22 | 6p-8p

Red Wing Arts Depot Gallery

Red Wing, MN


Be the first to experience and buy the paintings created by this year's artists in the Red Wing Arts Plein Air - Downtown Day! Meet the artists and enjoy time in the gallery.

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Ladies and gentlemen dressed in traditional nordic garb are pictured from behind walking in a parade

Gammel Dag Fest

Saturday, June 22 | 10a-12a

Bandstand Park and Museum

Peterson, MN


Join the Friends of Peterson for a celebration of Nordic tradition, community, and fun. Enjoy a lively parade, folk dancers, dunk tanks, minnow races, crafts, and over 20 Nordic folk artists showcasing their talent. Watch wood carving demos, attend an all-school reunion band concert, and explore the new veteran's memorial garden.

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Artist Development Workshop Series 2024

This year-long series of free workshops for professional and amateur artists of all artistic disciplines explores a variety of topics and provides opportunities for artists to share resources, network, and socialize with their creative peers from throughout the region. Sponsored by SEMAC, all workshops will be available in-person or on-line by registering through the Northfield Arts Guild.

Headshots of Peggy and Tami with the Red Wing Arts Logo in between

The Profitable Palette: Crafting and Leading Art Workshops That Sell

Thursday, June 6 | 6-8p

Red Wing Arts & Online

Red WIng, MN


Creating and executing successful art workshops requires a delicate balance of creativity, business acumen, and passion for the craft. In "The Profitable Palette" discussion panel, experienced artists will share their insights on how to curate engaging and lucrative workshops that not only showcase artistic skills but also resonate with the audience. This panel will provide valuable tips and strategies for artists looking to turn their passion into a profitable venture. Join us for an informative and fun discussion that will help you determine if teaching workshops is a good option for you!

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McKnight Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowship Program Information Session

Tuesday, June 11 | 6:30p

At Engage Winona (119 E 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987)

The McKnight Artist and Culture Bearer Fellowship Program is hosting an information session in Winona, MN on Tuesday, June 11 at 6:30p. This session, held at Engage Winona, will provide details about the prestigious fellowship which supports artists across 15 disciplines. Program Directors Tracy Krumm (Fiber Arts), Mike Hoyt (Community-Engaged Practice), and Dana Kassel (Dancers and Choreographers) will be presenting an overview of their respective fellowships. Additionally, dancer and past fellowship recipient Sharon Mansur will share her experience as an applicant and fellow.


Attend to learn about eligibility, application process, and funding opportunities for mid-career and established Minnesota artists demonstrating exceptional artistic merit. RSVPs are requested via mckfell@thecowlescenter.org to ensure adequate planning.

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The Ongoing Impact 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 the individuals and organizations, we aim to share how our grants have benefited artists and their communities. This month we feature Sydney Swanson's recent film "Elemental Body."

Syndey Swanson lies in a pile of autumn leaves with a far away look on her face

Sydney Swanson - Photo by Dahli Durley

Elemental Body: A Dance Film Journey

Rochester-based dancer and choreographer Sydney Swanson recently brought her artistic vision to life through "Elemental Body," an ambitious 12-minute dance film funded by a SEMAC Individual Artist Grant. Swanson choreographed, directed, and edited the site-specific piece, drawing inspiration from West African spiritual practices centered on the elements of nature. Audience reaction has been incredibly positive, praising the film's fresh perspective and emotional resonance. Read more about Sydney's project and future initiative in our full blog post:

SEMAC Blog

We've Moved!

Street view of SEMAC's new office building

2510 Superior Dr NW, Suite B

Rochester, 55901 SEMAC is excited to announce that we have relocated our offices to a new address! Don't worry, we haven't gone far - our new location is just a short distance from our previous office on Commerce Drive. Thanks to all the helping hands that made the move easy for us!

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:

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.

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