On Tuesday, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council awarded 66 grants to applicants representing 10 counties for a total of $335,888 in funding.

According to a press release, the funding includes 23 arts and cultural heritage grants, 16 presenter/production assistance grants, eight small towns/rural areas grants for $19,115 and 18 general operating support grants to arts organizations for $72,000.

Freeborn County organizations receiving funding include:

Albert Lea Area Schools received a $2,410 presenter/production assistance grant for Young Author Young Artist Conference.

The Albert Lea Art Center received a $4,000 general operating support grant for staffing and salaries.

Albert Lea Community Theatre received a $4,000 general operating support grant for staffing and salaries.

Freeborn County Arts Initiative received a $4,000 general operating support grant for facilities and maintenance.

SEMAC is the State Arts Board-designated granting authority for local/regional arts producing and sponsoring organizations and disburses funds allocated for this purpose by the Minnesota state Legislature.

For more 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 or visit www.semac.org.