During the past 50 years, South Dakota residents have been active partners with the South Dakota Arts Council in strengthening our state’s creative diversity through membership in the arts advocacy organization. Organized to fuel the growth of the arts through citizen participation, Arts South Dakota is giving YOU a voice in our cultural future.
This year was a busy one for Arts South Dakota. Nearly one hundred art instructors from across South Dakota attended the summer Arts Education Institute, returning to their classrooms with renewed creative passion and ideas to share with their students. The weekly Arts Events Email includes fantastic opportunities to experience local and international arts events throughout the state. Arts South Dakota members share in the celebration of South Dakota’s creative culture three times a year in the only statewide arts-focused publication, Arts Alive.
Throughout this past summer and fall, Arts South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council have jointly visited many of you in your hometowns. Arts Council Executive Director Patrick Baker and I have been warmly welcomed and experienced shining examples of the power of the arts to bring us together, to link cultures and to share common experiences. Connecting with you on a personal level is what Arts South Dakota is all about.
In 2017, Arts South Dakota will host the Governor’s Awards in the Arts. Join us in Pierre on February 15 to honor individuals and organizations for creative achievement, outstanding service to arts education and exemplary support of the arts. Also awarded at the Governor’s Awards is the Living Indian Treasure Award, created to continue the Native American tradition of honoring elders. Arts South Dakota is also celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the South Dakota Arts Council with an anniversary edition of Arts Alive, along with a special 50th anniversary video posted to our website.
You can be part of all this creative excitement by becoming a member of Arts South Dakota. You create, you volunteer, you attend and you support. YOU are the reason the arts happen in our communities. Learn more about becoming a member or join us online at www.ArtsSouthDakota.org.
