Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council December News & Events | |
Northern Sun Productions leads Lanesboro Arts' Rural Production Training Program | |
SEMAC Warmly Welcomes
Sharon Mansur to the team! | |
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SEMAC is excited to introduce Sharon Mansur as our new Outreach and Accessibility Manager. Sharon's role will strengthen arts access across southeastern Minnesota by building partnerships, developing workshops, and ensuring our programs reach all communities to make the arts truly accessible for everyone.
photo by La Vonte Thompson
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54 Southeastern Minnesota Organizations Awarded Grants | |
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council is proud to continue supporting arts and cultural initiatives across our 11-county region. On November 19, 2024, the SEMAC Board of Directors awarded grants totaling $378,430 to organizations throughout Southeastern Minnesota. The awards include 34 Legacy grants, 11 Programming Grants for Arts Organizations, 9 Small Towns/Rural Areas grants, and one School Residency grant. We congratulate all recipients and look forward to seeing these creative projects enrich our communities! | |
SEMAC Individual Artist Grant Application Opens December 28, 2024 | |
Based on feedback from SEMAC's recent Needs Assessment Survey, a Letter of Intent is no longer required for Individual Artist grant applications. Full applications for Individual Artists and Culture Bearers will open on December 28. The final grant submission deadline is January 28, 2025. | |
SEMAC Individual Artist Grants support your original work in Dance, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Interdisciplinary Projects. These grants offer $3,000 for emerging artists and $5,000 for advancing artists - no matching funds required. All grant programs include a Capstone event that is open to the public.
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Joy to the Arts! Explore December's Capstone Events | |
Explore the SEMAC-funded capstone events happening this month: | |
Dwelling Opening Reception featuring Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center Members
Sunday, December 1 | 1p-4p
Winona Arts Center
Winona, MN
Andy Kranz with the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center lead fifteen local artists through a six-week exploration of the concept of home and habitat through the traditional craft of block printing. Join him and the artists as they showcase their handcrafted prints in a unique exhibition where each artist's interpretation tells a story of what it means to dwell.
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Music Lessons for All
Student Showcase
Sunday, December 8 | 1p-2p
125 LIVE
Rochester, MN
Three aspiring pianists received six months of private instruction and their first keyboards through this Music for All program. Join instructor Amy Radford (DBA Vivian Lark) and her talented students as they showcase their newfound skills in music reading and performance.
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Micheal Veldman and Friends: Toyland
Sunday, December 15 | 2p
Austin High School - Knowlton Auditorium
Austin, MN
Join Austin City Orchestra as they celebrate their 2024-2025 season. The beloved Michael Veldman and Friends joins the symphony on stage for a spectacular winter performance. Toyland is a new program of musical favorites capturing the spirit of the holidays.
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John Marshall Holiday Band Concert
Wednesday, December 17 | 7p
John Marshall High School -
Ilstrup Auditorium
Rochester, MN
Mark your calendars for the upcoming John Marshall Bands Holiday Concert at 7pm on December 17th in the John Marshall High School Ilstrup Auditorium. Thank you for your support of the JM Bands Program!
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Community Outreach Video Montage
Friday, December 20 | 1p
Universal Music Center & Online
Red Wing, MN
Join Universal Music Center for an in-person or virtual (Facebook) video showcase featuring highlights of their past year of programming. UMC spent the past year bringing creative programs directly to underserved populations across Goodhue, Wabasha, and Houston Counties, from youth centers to senior living facilities. Their experienced teaching artists brought engaging arts education to rehabilitation centers, libraries, and community spaces, making creativity accessible to all.
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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 the individuals and organizations, we aim to share how our grants have benefited artists and their communities. This month we feature Delia Bell's Exploring Ceramic Slab Vessels project. | |
Delia Bell at work on her ceramic slab vessels | |
When a potter steps away from the wheel, new possibilities emerge. For Lanesboro artist Delia Bell, a year of exploring geometric forms through slab-built vessels gave new perspective to her ceramic practice. Here's how venturing into new territory transformed her approach to functional pottery. | |
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:
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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. | | | | |