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The Visiting Artist Program (VAP) Grant is grant available to organizations throughout the year to host participating artists. Hosts apply by the first of the month prior the month of a proposed activity. The grant is a reimbursement payment pays for 50% of the total artist fees, travel expenses, and supplies for approved activities for performances, residencies, workshops, assemblies, and other arts activities. This program helps to expand public access to quality arts across South Dakota.
QUICK RESOURCES
- Visiting Artist Program Grant for organizations
- New artist participation will open in 2028. Sign up to receive direct announcement via email.
ABOUT THE VISITING ARTIST PROGRAM
New artist participation will open in 2028. Sign up to receive notifications via email. Artists apply to participate in the program and are selected through a panel review process. Both in-state and out-of-state experts evaluate applicants for artistic quality, professionalism, and the artist’s ability to manage a touring program and engage audiences.
The program includes performing and teaching artists working in a variety of disciplines, including music, theater, dance, storytelling, literary arts, folk arts, and visual arts. Artist listings feature program descriptions, contact information, availability, supplies, technical needs, fees, and support materials to help organizations plan engagements.
The South Dakota Arts Council promotes this program and participating artists but does not serve as the booking agent for participating artists.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
New artist participation will open in 2028. Artists interested in participating in the Visiting Artist Program must:
- Be 18 or older
- Demonstrate professional artistic quality, touring management, and experience
- Be available for public or educational engagements across South Dakota
- Provide professional support materials, including work samples and program information
ARTIST APPLICATION
New artist participation will open in 2028. Sign up to receive notifications via email.
If accepted to participate, artists will not need to reapply each year.
If you are looking for funding to host an artist, see the Visiting Artist Program Grant on the Funding page by clicking here.
ARTIST REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
New artist participation will open in 2028. Artist applications are reviewed by a panel of regional arts professionals, educators, presenters, state and community representatives. Selection is based on artistic quality, professionalism, touring management, engagement experience, and past evaluations (if artist is reapplying). Panel recommendations are approved by the South Dakota Arts Council board.
ARTIST EVALUATION
Artists and their programs and performance are evaluated throughout each year of participation.
VISITING ARTIST DIRECTORY
The VAP Artist Directory features participating professional artists is organized by discipline, then genre, then alphabetically by last name.
Every artist offers a variety of engagement options. Artists marked with an asterisk (*) are additionally available for extended arts education experiences and residencies.
Artists work directly with a potential host to plan an activity's details, dates, location, and costs.
When a host submits either the VAP Activity Confirmation or the VAP Grant Application, the artist will receive an email message via our online digital signature tool, AdobeSign, to review the engagement details and click to approve. If any information is incorrect, contact the host organization before approving.
STAFF SUPPORT & ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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