In an effort to respond to the needs of regional arts educators, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a major change in the parameters of its Artists in Education grant program.

Beginning today, applications for school residencies will be available online. A pool of money will be set aside for this purpose during each school year. Applications in this category will be noncompetitive, have no deadline and must be submitted at least 60 days before the planned artist residencies.

Artist residencies are interactive arts activities providing K-12 students and teachers with direct arts experiences with artists.  Residencies encourage the professional development of artists by providing a unique employment experience and audience contact.

Proposals will be accepted from public or non-religious private schools in the SEMAC region for residencies of one to five full school days based upon well-defined arts projects.  The maximum amount for this grant is $3,000.  No match is required.  All proposed projects must take place during the 2015-2016 school year and culminate in a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public.

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 organization’s website at www.semac.org.