The South Dakota Arts Council’s Artist Grants invest in the growth, collaboration, and long-term success of South Dakota artists.
Grants support artists who demonstrate artistic excellence and artistic merit through their work and ideas.

WHO CAN APPLY

• South Dakota resident for at least one year prior to the deadline
• 18 years or older
• Not enrolled full-time in a degree program
• Applying as an individual artist (not an organization)

Artists may submit only one application per cycle. Select the option that best matches your current work:

Artist Career Development Grant - Open Jan. 1, 2027. $2,000 to build and advance your career.

Artist Collaboration Grant - Open Jan 1. 2027. $6,000 to work with one or more artists.

Artist Fellowship Grant - Open Jan 1. 2027.  $5,000 to award established artists with a strong record.

Artist Project Grant - Open Jan 1. 2027.  $2,000 to create or present specific arts programs, events, or activities that expand public access to the arts.

Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Grant - Open Jan 1. 2027. Supports master artists teaching traditional arts and cultures to qualified apprentices.

Visiting Artist Program - Artist Participation - (NEW) Open in 2028. Professional artists participate in the SDAC’s new Visiting Artist Program.

Creative Aging Grants - Supports professional teaching artists in developing and leading high-quality, participatory arts programs for older adults (ages 55+) in South Dakota communities.

We invest in communities to bolster the arts, culture, natural resources, creativity, business, and opportunities. The arts are a vital component of South Dakota’s economy.  
 
A vibrant arts ecosystem attracts, sustains, and advances a diverse population of professionals across all sectors. These efforts help us all feel connected, invested, and proud of where we live.

WHO CAN APPLY

• South Dakota-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and in good standing 
• Units of state or local government 
• Federally recognized tribal governments

FUNDING RULES

• An organization and an artist cannot request funding for the same project they're working on together. 
• Fiscal agents for regranting to organizations without 501(c)(3) status are not eligible.

Organization - Visiting Artist Program Grant - (NEW!) OPEN NOW: Provides funding throughout the year for schools, organizations, and communities to hire professional artists participating in the SDAC’S Visiting Artist Program for public performances, school assemblies, workshops, demonstrations, and residencies. 

Organization - Interim Grant - OPEN NOW: Provides funding throughout the year for organizations and educators to support special arts activities, projects, or timely opportunities that are not part of the organization’s regular programming.

Organization - General Operating Support (GOS) - Opens Jan. 1, 2027. Provides operating funds for South Dakota nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. These funds help sustain day-to-day operations, strengthen capacity, and expand public access to the arts. These funds support a wide range of eligible operating expenses but are not unrestricted; recipients must use them to advance their mission and deliver public benefit through the arts. Applicants applying for this grant cannot also apply for a Project Grant

Organization - Project Grant - Opens Jan. 1, 2027. Provides funds to nonprofit organizations in creating or presenting specific arts programs, events, or activities that expand public access to the arts in South Dakota. Applicants applying to this grant cannot also apply for a General Operating Support Grant.