The South Dakota Arts Council Visiting Artist Program (VAP) provides funding to help eligible organizations hire artists participating in the program for performances, workshops, demonstrations, school assemblies, residencies, and other arts activities. 

This grant only funds activities presented by artists participating in the South Dakota Arts Council Visiting Artist Program.

Artists participating in the program are selected through a panel review process by in-state and out-of-state experts. Use the VAP Artist Directory to explore participating artists. Each listing includes an artist's brief description, recommended audiences, location, and contact information.

• This grant will cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.
• Hosts pay the artist the total cost when services are provided.
• The South Dakota Arts Council pays the host up to 50% of the total costs as a reimbursement grant after the event report is received and approved.
• Grant payments are processed on scheduled payment dates throughout the year.

Eligible Expenses:

• Artist Fee: Compensation paid directly to the artist or ensemble for planning, preparing, performing, teaching, or leading the approved arts activity.
• Supplies: Materials and consumable items provided by the host or artist that are necessary to complete the approved activity (for example, art supplies, workshop materials, or classroom consumables).
• Travel Costs: Include only the travel costs needed to complete the approved arts activity. Travel-related costs are based on the State of South Dakota's standard reimbursement rates. (posted online)
  • Mileage: Use the current South Dakota business mileage rate: $0.70 per mile.
  • Lodging: Use the actual lodging cost or the standard South Dakota lodging rate of $110 per night. 

Use the VAP Artist Directory to explore participating artists and contact them directly with the information provided to plan an activity. Each listing includes the artist's brief description, recommended audiences, location, and contact information. 

Each artist offers a variety of engagement options and activity types. Artists marked with an asterisk (*) are additionally available for extended arts education experiences and residencies.

Activity Types:

• Performance: A public presentation by the artist.
• Workshop: A hands-on learning activity led by the artist.
• Demonstration: A presentation showing artistic skills, techniques, or processes.
• School Assembly: A performance or presentation designed for a school audience.
• Residency: An extended series of hands-on, one-on-one learning activities led by the artist through workshops, demonstrations, classes, and creative projects in schools or community settings.

Residencies:
Artists marked with an asterisk (*) are approved for residencies and other extended arts education engagements. Residencies provide hands-on learning through workshops, demonstrations, classes, and creative projects in schools and community settings.

Residency Parameters
- Minimum length: 1 week with maximum 20 hours of artist-led activities
- Duration may take place over consecutive weeks or throughout the year

Residency Artist Fees (base rates)
- Single Artist: $1,600 per week; Two artists working together: $2,600 per week

Only organizations are eligible to apply for this grant to host.
Eligible hosts include:

• South Dakota-based nonprofit organizations with current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Public schools/districts, colleges, and universities
• Private schools with tax-exempt status, or private schools applying through an affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• State and local government agencies and public institutions, including parks and recreation departments
• Federally recognized tribal governments

Host Responsibilities
- Pay the total cost of artist activity
- Provide/plan lodging when needed
- Provide/pay for supplies and materials when needed
- Acknowledge South Dakota Arts Council grant support
- Submit event report to receive grant payment reimbursement

July–September 2026:

• Hosts apply at least 30 days before the activity date. 

Beginning with October 2026 Activities:

• Apply by the 1st day of the month before the first activity date (and at least 30 days in advance). For activities in October, applications must be submitted by September 1.

Step 1: CONNECT
Hosts and artists contact each other directly to discuss a proposed activity. Each artist negotiates their own artist fee (except for residencies), and costs for travel, lodging, and supplies. For a list of participating artists, review the Visiting Artist Program Directory.

Step 2: CONFIRM
Work with the artist and agree on an activity, dates, location(s), and costs using the VAP Activity Confirmation Form or your own forms, such as the artist's invoice or an email showing showing the artist has agreed to the engagement. The host uploads this file when they apply for the VAP Grant. 

Step 3: APPLY
The host completes and signs the online VAP Grant Application and upload the required documentation. The host will also need their organization's employee identification number (EIN) to confirm eligibility. Hosts can search for their organization using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.

Step 4: REVIEW
The SDAC receives the application, reviews it for eligibility, and responds to the host with approval or follow-up info and signatures.

Step 5: HOST THE ACTIVITY
The artist completes the activity and the host pays the artist the full total cost. Credit South Dakota Arts Council grant support with logos in promotional materials and public events.

Step 6: REPORT ON EVENT
After the activity, the host submits the VAP Event Report that includes attendance and all expenses related to the approved activity. This information is submitted to the National Endowment for the Arts, who assists in funding this program.

Step 7: RECEIVE GRANT PAYMENT REIMBURSEMENT
Once the SDAC receives and approves the Event Report, a grant payment will be sent as a reimbursement to the host on the next scheduled payment date.

Questions about eligibility, the application process, or the Visiting Artist Program? We're happy to help.

Kate Vandel
Grants Manager
kate.vandel@state.sd.us
(605) 773-5925

Holly Briggs
Grants Specialist
holly.briggs@state.sd.us
(605) 773-4874

Sarah Carlson
Communications & Community Relations Coordinator
sarah.carlson@state.sd.us
(605) 773-3102