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 [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota The arts touch the lives of everyone in South Dakota—and the biennial State Arts Conference is a celebration for anyone who enjoys our state’s creative culture. The conference runs June 7-8 in Sioux Falls at the Washington Pavilion. Now is the time to mark your calendar and [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota The 2024 issue of South Dakota Arts Journal just came out this month, mailed to thousands of South Dakotans who are members of Arts South Dakota or subscribers to South Dakota Magazine—and the enthusiasm for this annual arts publication continues to grow. Our first issue sold [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota Each community in South Dakota is home to individuals who are creating art. In many of our cities and towns, a Community Arts Council has been formed to promote and celebrate local art while encouraging and supporting their creative citizens. Home is Where the Art is, [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota One of the questions that arises each year about this time, especially among arts advocates, is the question of government support for cultural activities and programs. I’ve heard from some people who think that private individuals, foundations and companies should provide the funding that keeps the [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota Would you like to present holiday gifts that are wonderfully original, totally appreciated, perfectly unique—and support a vital element of our state’s economy? Give the work of South Dakota artists! Choose handmade work created by one of our artisans, a print or painting by a South Dakota [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota The arts change lives, from elementary schools to senior citizen centers and for people in every walk of life—the arts truly benefit us all. And the arts also transform economies, according to a new study of South Dakota’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. Arts & Economic Prosperity [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota A new school year is well underway, with the excitement and color of marching bands, art classes and play rehearsals. For many students, educational experiences in the arts expand horizons, develop critical thinking capabilities and spark creative joy. For others, those classes, performances and creative endeavors are [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota Our state rejoices in amazing attractions and destinations that are genuinely known around the world. Mount Rushmore is globally recognized. The Oscar Howe “Dakota Modern” exhibition has been stirring imaginations around the nation. And, to lovers of the rich panoply of musical history that defines civilization, South [...]
By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota We all know about the power of the arts to change lives—my own life as a performer and arts advocate has created opportunity, forged friendships and shaped my personality. The arts lift us, transform us, save us—but are we doing all we can to ensure that the [...]
