The SMAC board met on Sept. 28 and Oct. 26 and awarded a total of $41,589 in grant funds to four organizations and three artists within its southwest Minnesota region for a total of seven grants awarded.
Among the organizations receiving grant funds is the Pipestone Performing Arts Center, which was awarded $9,439 to update sound equipment for the theatre. Items include new stage monitors, recording/playback equipment, new microphones and speaker cables, drum microphone kit, inner-ear monitors and active direct input boxes.
Additionally, the Wilder Pageant Committee in Walnut Grove was awarded $10,000 to continue its transition to updating its lighting system by purchasing two more LED moving head light fixtures. The applicant said replacing with these lights reduces setup & takedown time, improves the artistic look of their production and allows for easily adjustable lights for other uses of the stage, like hosting music festivals.
Artist Rosa Maria cerda Rodriguez of Windom was also awarded $2,695 to work on a painting series featuring portraits. She hopes to portray emotion and narrative through these works, and plans to develop her painting skills and get more exposure in local art fairs and galleries.
The Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting and encouraging the development of the arts in the eighteen counties of southwestern Minnesota by serving as a source of funds and technical services which enable local organizations, educational institutions and individuals to sponsor and/or create and promote the arts in their communities.
