About Us

Our Mission

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 and two sovereign nations 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.

Our Vision

Artists, arts organizations and arts activities thrive. Public value of the arts is understood and acted upon by community members, leaders and policy makers. The creative spirit is integrated into the social fabric of every community.

Our Values

Creativity
Artistic Quality
Learning
Advocacy
Accessibility
Diversity
Participation
Integrity

Program Intent

SMAC is committed to:

  • Supporting artists and arts organizations in creating, producing and presenting high-quality arts activities
  • Overcoming barriers to accessing high quality arts activities
  • Instilling the arts into the community and public life in our region
  • Supporting high-quality, age-appropriate arts education for residents of all ages to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of the arts
  • Supporting events and activities that represent the diverse ethnic and cultural arts traditions including folk and traditional artists and art organizations, represented in this region

Painting by Anne Wedler

SMAC Statement of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access

The Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) acknowledges that the region we serve occupies the traditional, ancestral & contemporary lands of the Dakota people. With this statement we commit our organization’s support of the Dakota and all indigenous people. It is our hope that the arts can bring healing and strengthen relationships. 

 

SMAC recognizes arts and culture as inherent and vital aspects of life in the eighteen counties and two sovereign nations that we serve. Art is a proven proponent of healthy, balanced, and prosperous communities. The creation and experience of cultural and artistic expression contribute to both individual and community well-being. We believe in the ability to build increased connectivity and economic strength through supporting cultural and artistic expression of all social identities including race, tribal affiliation, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender, sexuality, religion, ability, socioeconomic background and the intersectionality of these identities...

Read Complete Statement Here

Our History

Established in 1974, the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) merged with SWAFAH, a similar regional arts organization which had been in operation in the area since 1968. SMAC is part of the statewide system of eleven regional arts councils (RACs) that receive a legislative allocation for the arts in an effort to increase access to and participation in the arts, increase arts awareness and ensure equitable distribution of legislative arts funding, the regional arts councils work on a statewide basis in partnership with the Minnesota State Arts Board. Each regional arts council is designated to assess arts needs, develop programs and services to meet those needs, and distribute grants to fund arts programs in their region.

SMAC is governed by a volunteer board of directors who are elected by the individual and organizational members of the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council. The board members, one from each of our counties and sovereign nations, meet monthly to work on policy, planning activities, discussing new ideas, and evaluating past projects. Daily activities are managed by a staff of three full-time employees.

SMAC Biennial Plan Fiscal Year 2026-2027

Serving Southwest Minnesota
Big Stone  |  Chippewa |  Cottonwood |  Jackson |  Kandiyohi |  Lac qui Parle |  Lincoln |  Lyon |  McLeod |  Meeker |  Murray |  Nobles |  Pipestone |  Redwood |  Renville |  Rock |  Swift |  Yellow Medicine | Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux Community |  Cansayapi/Lower Sioux Community

If you would like to get in touch with one of our board members, please contact us at info@swmnarts.org or 800-622-5284.

 

All board meetings and grant panel discussions are open to the public, in the spirit of Minnesota’s Open Meeting Law, however a request to attend as a non-speaking guest is required a minimum of 48 hours ahead of the scheduled meeting. To make a guest attendance request, email: info@swmnarts.org and information on how to join the meeting will be sent to you. All our board meetings and panel meetings are on our regional arts calendar.

The creative spirit is integrated into the social fabric of every community.

Artwork by Eva Margaret of Willmar, MN.

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