Southwest Minnesota Arts Council

Art gallery- an art gallery in the smac office space provides an opportunity for regional artists to have a solo exhibit in an accessible space. Seven regional visual artists had their work exhibited in the gallery in fiscal year 2025. Exhibits are advertised via press releases, e-mail, facebook, and the smac webpage. Artists had in-person and virtual receptions. Regional musicians performed during the in-person exhibit receptions.

Technical assistance- services provided by smac to sw minnesota are information and referral services to promote the growth and development of artists, staff and volunteer assistance for the organizational and leadership development of local arts groups, and presentation of technical assistance and networking conferences for artists, cultural organizations and schools. Information is provided via phone, email, mail, website, social media, and in-person contact. Smac staff travels throughout the region to meet with constituents on request. Smac staff also works with statewide arts organizations to coordinate workshops and meetings within the smac region that will benefit smac region residents. Smac's e-newsletter contains feature articles, grant awards, upcoming deadlines, and other opportunities. It containts no advertisements. The e-newsletter was sent via email to approximately 1,500 people per issue and is also posted on the smac website.

Conference/workshops/convenings- smac also gives assistance to artists, arts organizations and educators by providing technical assistance, information, and networking opportunities in conference or workshop settings to the sw minnesota area. 70 artists attended an artist retreat at danebod folk school in tyler. 6 virtual and 5 in-person grant workshops and q&a esssions were attended by 46 people. 26 people attended a training and networking event for arts organizations. Smac's annual arts celebration, attended by approximately 50 people, was held in worthington, mn and included theater and music performances and art exhibits.