By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota
Wellness and good health are concerns for everyone in South Dakota—and the biennial State Arts Conference April 24 and 25 in Rapid City spotlights Arts in Healing SD. Now is the time to mark your calendar for this opportunity to learn more about South Dakota’s leadership in promoting the arts as a path to wellness.
This year’s conference explores the impact of the arts in health and healing, and the programs that have proven so effective in our state’s health care facilities. Leaders who apply the healing power of the arts to communities, artists and arts administrators who make the arts happen will all be on hand for keynote addresses, learning workshops and informal interactions. You have a lot to talk about with our presenters—and this is your chance to join the conversation!
Keynote speaker is Christopher Bailey, former co-director of the Jameel Arts and Health Lab and founder of the WHO Arts and Health program in Geneva, Switzerland. Another highlight of this year’s conference will be presenter Ariadne (Ari) Albright, Creative Aging SD Coordinator for the South Dakota Arts Council, visual artist and arts-in-health consultant working across healthcare, academic, community and correctional settings. For a complete program of opportunities at this year’s conference, just check out the list at ArtsSouthDakota.org. Every session is packed with information that will improve your ability to advocate, create and connect the arts and healing.
Recent State Arts Conferences have proven that new lines of communication are formed, innovative alliances are created and South Dakota becomes more connected as we make our creative community stronger. Your participation in the conference strengthens the statewide network of people who care about the arts.
Please join me in Rapid City to help build the future of the arts across South Dakota and celebrate our unique creative environment. Registration is now open for the intensive Arts in Healing preconference sessions on Friday and the full Saturday conference schedule of events. To check out the program, performances, speakers and learning opportunities and to register for the 2026 State Arts Conference, visit ArtsSouthDakota.org.
