Artist Equity Grants

Provides up to $4,000 to artists who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color; LGBTQIA2S+; people with disabilities; or veterans for projects that will advance their skills and artistic career.

Daniel Jimenez of Madison, MN received a grant to create a studio album, “Raíces y Ritmos: A Cross-Cultural Jazz Album.”

Dates & Deadlines for FY 2027

(July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)

Round 1

Request staff draft review by September 2, 2026
Application Deadline: September 16, 2026
Panel Review: October 13, 2026
Board Action: October 27, 2026
Results Notification: October 28-30, 2026
Earliest Project Start Date: November 1, 2026
Estimated Payment Date: November 13, 2026 (if contract completed)

Round 2

Request staff draft review by March 3, 2027
Application Deadline: March 17, 2027
Panel Review: April 13, 2027
Board Action: April 27, 2027
Results Notification: April 28-30, 2027
Earliest Project Start Date: May 1, 2027
Estimated Payment Date: May 14, 2027 (if contract completed)

How to Apply

Applicants may fill out and submit their application in several ways:

through our online grant system
in a Word document (see materials below), submitted by email to info@swmnarts.org, along with required attachments
on paper with required attachments, submitted by mail (PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258) or contact us to arrange drop-off.

Have questions or need help?

SW MN Arts Council grants administrator Caroline Koska is available to meet with you by phone, web conference or in person in Marshall to answer your questions on grant eligibility and using the application system or to review a draft of your application.