Visiting Artist Grant

Visiting Artist Grant is sponsored by South Dakota Arts Council. This program connects community organizations and schools to professional artists and provides funding for performances, residencies, workshops, assemblies, and other arts activities. Artists apply to participate in the program and are selected through a panel review process.

Article metadata. This article was updated 13 days ago This article has 219 views. This article has average rating: 5 out of 5 stars This grant is available throughout the year to help eligible organizations bring participating professional artists to communities for performances, workshops, residencies, school assemblies, and other arts activities.

This grant funds up to 50% of eligible expenses for approved activities. 1. Contact an artist from the Visiting Artist Program Directory.

2. Plan an arts activity with the artist and confirm. 3.

Submit an application by the deadline listed. 4. Host your activity and pay the artist the full total fee.

5. Submit an Event Report. 6.

Receive a grant payment of half the total fee as a reimbursement. 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. WHAT DOES THIS GRANT PAY FOR? * 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.

* **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 work with them directly with the contact information provided to plan an activity.

Each listing includes the artist's brief description, recommended audiences, location, and contact information. Every artist offers a variety of engagement options. Artists marked with an asterisk (*)are _additionally_ available for extended arts education experiences and residencies.

* **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 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.

- 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 * Apply at least 30 days before the activity date.

**Beginning with September 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 September, applications must be submitted by August 1. ** **Step 1: Select an Artist**Review the **Visiting Artist Program Directory** and contact the artist directly to discuss your proposed activity.

**Step 2: Confirm the Arts Engagement**Work with the artist and agree on an activity, dates, location(s), and costs using the **VAP Activity Confirmation Form** or your own forms. The application will require documentation such as this form showing the artist has agreed to the engagement. **Step 3: Submit Your Application**Complete and submit the**VAP Grant Application**and upload the required documentation.

You will also need your taxpayer identification number (TIN or EIN) to confirm eligibility. If you don't know your EIN, you can search for your organization using the **IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. ** * Submit the**Event Report**within 30 days.

* Report attendance and all eligible expenses related to the approved activity. * Acknowledge South Dakota Arts Council support in promotional materials and public events. * Once your Event Report is accepted and approved, your grant payment will be processed as a reimbursement on the next scheduled payment date.

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