South Dakota Arts Council Minutes
The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. A presentation was given by 8 Bridges consultants regarding the planned evaluation and assessment of the Touring Arts and Artists in Schools & Communities programs. The council approved a 4-tiered system for applicants in the operational support category and adjustments for the Arts Challenge grant program. Proposed changes to the project grants program were also approved. Panel recommendations for FY26 grants were presented, covering Artist Career Development grants, Fellowships and Artist Collaboration grants, Project Grants, and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship. The full FY26 proposed budget, including all grants, initiatives, and special projects, was approved, contingent upon NEA funding approval. Updates were provided on the automated grant payment policy, Poetry Out Loud, the Congressional Art Competition, the Traditional Arts Program, NASAA, NEA, Arts Midwest, and Arts South Dakota.