RAPID CITY, SD — The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC), in partnership with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF), invites artists from the Black Hills region to submit proposals for an interactive exhibition exploring shared hopes for the region over the next 20 years.

The exhibition celebrates BHACF’s 20th anniversary of partnering with donors, nonprofits, and community members to strengthen the Black Hills. Selected work will be on view at the Dahl Arts Center from October 9 through December 26, 2026, in the Denise Du Broy and Inez + Milton Shaver Galleries.

RCAC and BHACF are seeking innovative, accessible, and thought-provoking proposals for participatory art experiences. Submissions should actively involve viewers—whether through direct interaction, contribution, or collaboration—to contemplate the future they want for their community.. Strong proposals will emphasize social engagement as a core component, inviting public participation as an integral part of the artwork itself.

Artists are encouraged to explore themes related to how the social, environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the region affects the viewer’s day-to-day life, or the lives of their friends, family, or neighbors. Projects may address community priorities such as affordable housing, healthy outdoor spaces, food security, accessible transportation, healthcare access, senior support, affordable childcare, education, access to information, and access to the arts. Proposals that offer forward-thinking or visionary ideas, inspire optimism, and deepen a sense of belonging by revealing shared goals are especially encouraged.

Applicants must reside within the Black Hills region, specifically the counties of Butte, Meade, Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, Oglala Lakota, and Fall River, and demonstrate experience or knowledge in creating interactive or participatory artwork.

A stipend of up to $10,000, provided by BHACF, will be awarded to the selected artist or team to support the creation and installation of the project. If multiple artists are selected, the stipend will be divided accordingly. Artists retain ownership and intellectual property rights to their work. Payment will be distributed in two installments: 40% upon contract signing for materials, and 60% upon completion of installation.

Timeline

  • Submission Deadline: June 26, 2026 (11:59 p.m. MDT)

  • Selection Announcement: July 10, 2026

  • Opening Reception: October 9, 2026

  • BHACF 20th Anniversary Event: October 16, 2026

  • Exhibition Dates: October 9 – December 26, 2026

Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF via email to Entries@thedahl.org by June 26 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury including members of the RCAC Exhibits Committee, RCAC curatorial staff, and representatives from BHACF.

For more information, visit the website, rapidcityartscouncil.org/hopesforthehills. For questions, please contact Jeannie Larson, Gallery Director & Curator, at jeannie.larson@thedahl.org

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For More Information:
Maggie Lepa-Wince
Rapid City Arts Council
605.719.7218
Maggie.Wince@thedahl.org