The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council has announced a call for proposals by individual artists. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than April 1 and be completed within 12 months, culminating with a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online applications will be available throughout January with a Feb. 1 submission deadline.

To encourage the development of entirely original artistic works, SEMAC offers two distinct grants for individual artists.

Advancing artist grants: formerly labeled established artist grants, recognize, reward and encourage outstanding individual artists and provide some financial support to enable them to continue their work. Emerging artist grants offer small but critical support for specific projects by developing artists from all disciplines who are committed to advancing their work.

Proposals will be accepted from individual artists who are 18 or older, not enrolled in high school and are full-time residents of the SEMAC region. The maximum amount for advancing artists is $5,000. The maximum amount for emerging artists is $2,500. No matching funds are required.

For information about the grant application process, eligibility or grant writing assistance, contact the SEMAC office at 2778 D Commerce Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901; or call 507-281-4848. Information may also be found at www.semac.org.