FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 1, 2021

CONTACT:  Rebecca Cruse, Deputy Director, 605-295-4052

Arts Council Grants $1.45 Million

PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) will provide support for grants and special arts initiatives totaling $1.45 million in fiscal year 2022, the state arts agency announced today.

“The arts make our South Dakota communities better, and we’re thrilled to be able to support projects and organizations that celebrate culture, enhance education, connect us with our neighbors, and bring joy to all of our lives,” said SDAC Executive Director Patrick Baker. “In the coming year, we’re awarding grant funds to more than 200 events and programs in every area of the state, and we can’t wait to see South Dakotans out enjoying the arts again.”

Grants awarded to artists total approximately $223,000 and include five artist fellowships; 10 artist career development grants; five traditional arts apprenticeship grants; one artist collaboration grant; two artist project grants; and 32 touring artist grants. These grants contribute to the artists’ professional development and reward their commitment to live and work in the state. Touring Arts grants also provide South Dakotans the opportunity to attend quality performances and exhibitions in small towns throughout the state.

Grant awards to 72 organizations total about $722,000 supporting arts projects, operations, and statewide arts initiatives. Additionally, $118,000 has been awarded to support 156 weeks of artist residencies in school, healthcare and community settings. The grants assist arts and community organizations in developing and sustaining important arts and cultural projects in their communities and provide employment opportunities for artists and arts administrators.

Special initiatives and activities funding totaling approximately $385,000 will support programs such as arts education, public awareness, traditional arts, technical assistance, professional development, creative aging, excursion grants, Poetry Out Loud, Art for Life and Art for State Buildings.

Arts Council funds are provided by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and by the State of South Dakota from a portion of the state’s tourism promotion tax. Annually, Arts Council grants help generate more than $20 million in local spending to complete funded projects and reach more than 1 million audience members statewide. For more information about SDAC programs, visit www.artscouncil.sd.gov.

The South Dakota Arts Council is a state agency organized under the South Dakota Department of Tourism.  The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

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**MEDIA NOTE: A complete listing of FY22 grants, organized by city, is posted at https://artscouncil.sd.gov/news/FY22_Arts_Council_Grants_City_List.pdf