PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) will provide support for grants and special arts initiatives totaling more than $2.16 million in fiscal year 2027, the state arts agency announced today.

“The arts strengthen South Dakota communities, and we’re eager to support the projects, performances, and potential the arts bring to all of our lives,” said SDAC Director Patrick Baker. “In the coming fiscal year, we’re awarding grant funds to organizations and artists to help produce events and programs so South Dakotans can experience and enjoy the arts across the entire state.”

Grants awarded to artists include four artist fellowships; 10 artist career development grants; three traditional arts apprenticeship grants; two artist collaboration grants; and three artist project grants. These grants contribute to the artists’ professional development and reward their commitment to live and work in the state.

Grant awards to organizations support arts projects, operations, and statewide arts initiatives. Additionally, over 15 percent of the overall budget has been dedicated to the new Visiting Artist Program to support teaching artist residencies in school, healthcare, and community settings, as well as provide South Dakotans the opportunity to attend quality performances and exhibitions from visiting artists in small towns throughout the state.

Special initiatives and activities will support programs such as arts education, creative aging, public awareness, folk and traditional arts, technical assistance, professional development, excursion grants, Poetry Out Loud (and other student art competitions), and Art for State Buildings.