The Art Study Opportunity for Youth Grants program, managed by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), provides funding for students entering grades 5 through 12 to pursue individualized arts training or attend arts camps and workshops. The program supports all artistic disciplines and aims to foster youth development in the arts by funding specific training projects with professional artists, arts institutions, or educational settings.
Students who qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program are eligible to receive support for ongoing standard weekly lessons, such as piano or voice lessons. Additionally, students enrolled in Minnesota public arts high schools may apply for supply costs as part of their project.
The maximum award is $500 per student. The grant cannot be used for tuition or materials related to school or degree programs, fundraising, equipment unrelated to the proposed study, or general operating expenses. Preference is given to projects with strong artistic merit and evidence of potential growth in the student’s chosen art form.
Applicants must reside within SMAC’s 18-county southwest Minnesota service region, including Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties, or within the Pezihutazizi (Upper Sioux) or Cansayapi (Lower Sioux) tribal communities. Students must be legal residents for at least six months before applying and remain residents throughout the project.
Applications are reviewed monthly from August 1, 2025, through May 1, 2026, with a deadline on the 1st of each month. The earliest possible project start date is the first day of the following month. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. Grant payments are issued in full after the signed contract and W-9 form are received. Final reports are due within 60 days of the project’s completion.
Reach out for a draft review at least one week before deadline. Projects must be specific and training-focused—not general support. Applications are reviewed monthly and must meet strict eligibility guidelines.
