Quick Support for Artists

The Quick Support for Artists grant program is administered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) with the intent of providing expedited, accessible funding to individual artists in all disciplines. Artists at any stage in their careers may apply for up to $1,000 to support their creative, professional, or community-based work. Eligible activities include creating or sharing original work, attending classes, workshops, or conferences, conducting research, purchasing materials or equipment specifically tied to the project, and implementing small-scale artist-led community projects. Funding is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the voters of Minnesota through a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. Applications are accepted monthly, with deadlines on the 1st of each month from August through May. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. All projects must be art-focused and may not include general business expenses, fundraising activities, mass-market distribution, or educational work for degree programs. Applicants must be permanent residents of SMAC’s 18-county southwest Minnesota service region or either of the two tribal nations (Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux and Cansayapi/Lower Sioux) and must have lived in the region for at least six months prior to applying. Only one SMAC grant may be active per individual at a time, and all reporting from previous grants must be complete. Applications are evaluated based on the project’s feasibility and the extent to which it supports the applicant’s artistic growth or community impact.

Staff reviews are available if requested at least one week before the monthly deadline. Strong applications clearly articulate the project scope, artistic relevance, and intended outcomes. Use detailed budgets and avoid prohibited uses such as tuition, fundraising, or unrelated equipment.