The Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) announced on Tuesday that it awarded 24 grants for a total of $95,000 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included six Emerging Artist grants for $15,000, eight Advancing Artist grants for $40,000, and 10 General Operating Support grants to arts organizations for $40,000.

Among those receiving grant money is the Austin Symphony Orchestra, who was awarded a $4,000 General Operating Support Grant for staffing and salaries.

Other organizations around the area that received grants include the Red Wing Art Association, the Zumbro Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines, the Dover Eyota Music Association and the Rochester Chamber Music Society.

SEMAC is the State Arts Board-designated granting authority for local/regional arts producing and sponsoring organizations and disburses funds allocated for this purpose by the Minnesota State Legislature. The SEMAC region includes the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.

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