State of the art.

Arts advocacy begins with one voice

January 7th, 2021|Blog|

By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota In South Dakota, arts advocates include community arts groups, statewide arts organizations and alliances for arts education and artists. As important as these groups of advocates are, [...]

Giving this season to keep the arts strong

November 23rd, 2020|Blog|

By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota This year, the holidays will be different for all of us. Maybe that’s a reason to give more unique gifts—gifts that support and enhance the work of [...]

It’s more important than ever to Vote smART!

October 6th, 2020|Blog|

By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota This year’s election is vitally important to the arts in South Dakota. The pandemic response has dramatically illustrated the significance of self-expression, creative endeavors and the role [...]

Back to school with the arts

August 17th, 2020|Blog|

By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota While the educational experience has changed in South Dakota—with virtual learning, staggered schedules and a variety of measures to cope with the pandemic—every community understands how vital [...]

The arts build bridges in a divided society

July 7th, 2020|Blog|

By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota As a musician, I’m aware of the unique way that music draws people together. As we play, musicians look out on audiences that are diverse—all ages, races, [...]