WHAT: Art Alley Clean-Up Day
WHEN: May 11 from 10am-2pm
WHERE: Art Alley, Downtown Rapid City
The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is excited to announce the second annual Art Alley Clean-Up Day on May 11, 2024. This initiative aims to refresh the city’s iconic Art Alley in anticipation of visitors and fresh murals for the summer season.
Art Alley Clean-Up Day will kick off at 10:00 am behind Art House on Main Street (and between Sixth and Seventh Streets), where RCAC will distribute cleaning supplies and connect volunteers eager to make a difference in downtown this spring. From then until 2:00 pm, volunteers will pick up trash, power wash, cover unpermitted tags, and revitalize the space so artists and the community can enjoy the alley this summer.
This renowned downtown alleyway became a space for artistic expression more than 20 years ago as graffiti artists focused on the prime downtown brick walls. The “Art Alley” designation came about when artists and community members came together with city officials to recognize the importance of this public art locale. In 2016, the city called for a permit system to be managed by the Rapid City Arts Council. In 2023, Black Hills Energy completed a transformational construction project that buried infrastructure and expanded access to exposed brick walls and an open sky view. Today the walls change constantly, sometimes many times a day– making Art Alley a vibrant public art space and a popular destination for artists, locals, and visitors.
Art Alley is a public space visited by thousands of people every year The Clean-Up Day effort ensures Rapid City looks its best. RCAC invites the public to be a part of the effort, whether you’re a local business, a community organization, or an individual passionate about Art Alley, your support is invaluable in making Art Alley Clean-Up Day count. BYOPW – Bring your own power washer, if you can. RCAC will provide additional supplies and equipment. This year’s annual event is made possible through generous support from Visit Rapid City.
Join RCAC and the community on May 11th for a day of cleaning, collaboration, and community engagement to take back Art Alley.
To let us know you and your friends are coming to help please email artalleyeducation@thedahl.org. Artists interested in painting murals in Art Alley can obtain permits at www.artalleyrc.com.
