By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota

New ideas have the power to energize people and organizations, and the State Arts Conference in Rapid City May 14-16 will be a catalyst of great creative ideas. This year’s conference featured speakers are Mary Anne Carter, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts; Torrie Allen, President and CEO of Arts Midwest; Lori Pourier, President and CEO of First People’s Fund, and Lori L. Jacobwith, Fundraising Culture Change Expert & Master Storyteller with Ignited Fundraising. The world-class programs and proven success stories from these leaders have the power to help transform and empower communities in every corner of South Dakota.

Equally important are 20 dynamic learning sessions offered during the conference, with opportunities to acquire new skills in over a dozen tracks, including community collaboration; professional development for artists and organizations; leveraging technology for success; storytelling; tourism and the arts; financial first aid; the arts and health; digital marketing; visual thinking strategies, board development and so much more. For details and more information on session presenters at this year’s State Arts Conference, check out the Arts South Dakota website, www.ArtsSouthDakota.org.

The national-level expert speakers and fascinating, practical learning sessions aren’t the only attractions at this year’s state arts conference. You’ll also discover exciting art and great performances and community events in Rapid City, along with socializing and networking with South Dakotans who are shaping our state’s cultural environment today. Registration is now open, so you can make plans to be in Rapid City May 14-16 to share the excitement and join the conversation. This conference will be a memorable creative weekend.

Details, schedules and online registration for this year’s State Arts Conference are available on the Arts South Dakota website, www.ArtsSouthDakota.org. Share the news—and get ready to share some great new ideas!