By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota
One of the main keynote speakers for the biennial State Arts Conference June 7-8 in Sioux Falls is Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research at Americans for the Arts. Randy travels the nation, sharing cultural information and the impact of the arts with groups in every state. He is often the face of Americans for the Arts and he knows, better than anyone, the power of personal contact in energizing and mobilizing arts advocates. He spoke to me recently about the value and lasting opportunities of a state arts conference.
“Good things happen when we’re together and in person,” Randy said. “Just like the power of the arts, that’s where the magic happens. Being present in our communities helps activate all the good research and hard work people have done.
“Virtual convenings were the parachute we needed during the pandemic. Without that ability to work together and share information, we all would have been lost in the desert. Technology has made some aspects of our work more efficient. But to me, it is akin to experiencing the arts virtually. It is way better than not experiencing art at all, but pales in comparison to the in-person experience, to the electricity and power that comes from being in the presence of a live performance.
“We are in the people business. An in-person meeting allows us to deepen relationships and be inspired by each other, to build rapport and galvanize state arts advocates. That’s important because we have a big job to do. We are on a mission to make sure everyone in the state has the opportunity to participate and engage in the arts, to make sure every child is receiving a quality arts education and that artists and arts organizations are invested in by our public and private sector leaders. We are on the right side of what needs to be done to build a healthier and more vibrant South Dakota, and we work together to get the job done.”
I couldn’t have said it better. Join Randy Cohen and other arts advocates at the 2024 State Arts Conference! Begin with a visit to ArtsSouthDakota.org for registration information and schedules. I hope to see you there!
Randy Cohen
VP of Research
Americans for the Arts
