A creative home for our veterans
Connecting South Dakota’s veterans to arts opportunities By South Dakota Lt. Governor Matt Michels South Dakota has always stepped forward in defense of our nation, with a high percentage of our population volunteering for all [...]
One local voice can make magic happen
South Dakota is blessed with a variety of volunteer community arts groups, statewide arts institutions and strong partnerships for arts education and artists. As important as these organizations are, the real strength for the arts [...]
Back to school with a full head of STEAM
There’s an excitement in the air as students go back to school all across South Dakota. Today, in addition to the “Three Rs,” teachers and arts advocates focus on STEAM—science, technology, engineering, ARTS and mathematics. [...]
In South Dakota, the arts mean business
We frequently discuss the benefits of the arts in South Dakota with an emphasis on the cultural, educational and entertainment value of creative performances, contacts and experiences. But that’s only part of the equation. The [...]
Hit South Dakota’s cultural hot spots this summer
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 [...]
New York Times spotlights state’s vital arts scene
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 [...]
The power of the arts: one South Dakotan’s story
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 [...]
Key South Dakota arts programs rely on federal matching funds
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 [...]
Americans speak out about the 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 [...]
Celebrating South Dakota’s creative leaders
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 [...]
Fueling the growth of the arts in South Dakota
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 [...]
Giving thanks for South Dakota’s creative energy
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 [...]