SEMAC Announces Recent Grant Awards

On January 13, 2026, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded four Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grants, and five General Operating Support grants for a total of $40,950 in funding to organizations throughout southeastern Minnesota. 

Grants were awarded to the following organizations, listed by county:

Fillmore County 

• Dreamery Rural Arts Initiative received a $5,000 General Operating Support grant for Staffing & Salaries.

Mower County 

• Austin Public Schools received a $3,995 Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grant for Flipside Brings Rhythm to Austin.
• Zumbro Valley Chorus received a $5,000 General Operating Support grant for Administrative Expenses.

Rice County 

• Bridge Chamber Music Festival received a $5,000 General Operating Support grant for Staffing and Salaries. 
• Vintage Band Festival received a $5,000 General Operating Support grant for Administrative Expenses.

Wabasha County 

• Lake City Public Schools received a $4,000 Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grant for Jazz Festival: Guest Artist Snacklebox.

Winona County

• James Harper (Riverway Learning Community) received a $3,955 Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grant for Procession of the Species.
• Mid West Music Fest received a $5,000 General Operating Support grant for Staffing & Salaries.
• Winona Area Public Schools received a $4,000 Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grant for Health Mural.

Recipients were selected through a competitive process with applications judged on three criteria, artistic merit, demand or need, and ability to accomplish. SEMAC congratulates the award winners and looks forward to celebrating the creativity these grants will bring to southeastern Minnesota. 

SEMAC is one of 11 regional arts councils in the state of Minnesota, serving the following counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona.

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 and cultural heritage fund.

For more information, visit semac.org or contact the office at 507-281-4848.