When it comes to arts and crafts festivals, community cultural celebrations, musical weekends and summer theater, South Dakota really is the land of infinite variety. Our state has a full calendar of cultural events, many of them happening within an easy drive from where you live. Cultural tourism is a vital economic force for South [...]
As we discuss the future of the National Endowment for the Arts and its impact on rural states like South Dakota, it’s encouraging that the New York Times sent Michael Cooper to our state to interview arts organization leaders and citizens to assess that impact. According to Cooper, “Mostly rural states like South Dakota could [...]
As I think about the deep and lasting impact of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and South Dakota Arts Council in our state, friend and fellow musician Jami Lynn immediately comes to mind. I’ve worked with Jami on many occasions and she has often talked about her love of being a South [...]
When a third grader in Kadoka discovers she can write a poem, when a junior high assembly in Britton hears live jazz for the first time and when an entire community turns out to admire their new Main Street mural, we know the arts are alive in South Dakota. One reason those life-altering arts [...]
Recently Americans for the Arts conducted a public opinion poll which provides an in-depth look at perceptions and attitudes about the arts in our country. One of the most significant findings came in the question asking if people agree with the statement “Art institutions add value to our communities.” The survey showed 87% agree [...]
Every two years, South Dakotans are given the opportunity to shine a spotlight on those individuals and organizations that have achieved significant accomplishments in the arts. The Governor’s Awards in the Arts dramatically illustrate the diversity, commitment and talent of South Dakota’s creative community. Take the case of Ward Whitwam, this year’s awardee for [...]
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. [...]
As we celebrate 50 years of arts support in South Dakota, it’s important to realize that people from every walk of life are responsible for the vitality of our state’s creativity. From teachers to legislators, from community leaders to musicians, painters, dancers and actors, thousands have participated in the ever-expanding creative energy in South [...]
On September 17, South Dakotans of all cultures from across the state gathered in Chamberlain with Governor Daugaard, sculptor Dale Lamphere and the family of Norm and Eunabel McKie to dedicate our state’s newest monumental sculpture, the 50 foot tall image of a Native American woman. Called Dignity by her creator, South Dakota Artist [...]
When you think of “the arts,” what comes to mind? Maybe you think of museums or a symphony orchestra or a famous painting hanging in a big city gallery. Maybe you think of wildlife photography or a jazz concert or perhaps a Broadway musical. Here in South Dakota, I think of the two pieces [...]
