For all the artists in the area who need some help continuing their passion, there are some grants available.

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announced a call for proposals by individual artists. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than Sept. 1, and be completed within a year, culminating with a capstone that’s accessible and open to the public.

SEMAC, a non-profit arts agency, is designated by the State of Minnesota Arts Board as the regional arts council for eleven southeastern Minnesota counties:  Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.

Online applications are available throughout June, and the deadline for this year’s submissions is on July 1. This activity is made possible by the Minnesota voters through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board because of a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

To encourage the development of entirely original artistic works, SEMAC offers two distinct grants for individual artists: Advancing artist grants recognize, reward and encourage outstanding individual artists and provide some financial support to enable them to continue their work. Emerging arts grants offer small, but significant support for specific projects by developing artists from all disciplines who are committed to advancing their work.

Proposals will be accepted from individual artists who are 18 or older, not currently enrolled in high school, and are full-time residents of the SEMAC region. The maximum amount for advancing artists is $5,000. The maximum amount for emerging artists is $2,500. No matching funds are required. With limited funding available each fiscal year, every SEMAC grant category is competitive and includes an LOI stage used as an initial screening for eligibility.

For information about the grant application process, eligibility, or grant writing assistance, contact the SEMAC office at 2778 D Commerce Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901 or call 507-281-4848.  Information may also be found on the website at www.semac.org.