10,000 STUDENTS REACHED DURING
131 WEEKS OF ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE PROGRAMS.
36,000 AUDIENCE MEMBERS ENJOYED
137 PERFORMANCES, WORKSHOPS AND ART EXHIBITIONS IN 117 VENUES
ACROSS SOUTH DAKOTA.
Source: South Dakota Arts Council data from 2023 fiscal year.
COMMUNITIES THAT INVEST IN ARTS AND CULTURE CONNECT PEOPLE TO EACH OTHER, TO THE SHARED STORIES OF THEIR COMMUNITIES, AND TO A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF ALL.
Competitive pay for South Dakota student teachers and standardized contact hours required for fine arts programs are key legislative platform issues for the newly created South Dakota Arts Education Advocacy Cohort. In collaboration with Arts South Dakota, leadership from eight associations are working together to make certain that arts education remains a priority for South Dakota students.
“Visual arts, music, theater and dance all contribute to the fabric of our vibrant South Dakota art communities,” says Mary Cogswell, chair of the Arts Advocacy Cohort. “By collectively advocating for sustained funding and resources, we will ensure that current and future generations will benefit from the transformative power of arts education.”
The cohort has not yet set or defined policy initiatives, but is looking into the needs across this sector for all ages, for all fine arts.
Cogswell joins nine other South Dakota arts educators for the cohort: Laura Schenk, S.D. Music Education Association; Beth Neitzert, S.D. String Teachers Association; Mandy DeWitt, S.D. Art Education Association; Desy Schoenewies, S.D. College Art Association; Kristen Dunlap, S.D. Bandmasters Association, Ben Van Moer, S.D. American Choral Directors Association; Michelle McIntyre, Speech Communication Association of South Dakota; Dave Sanderson, Associate Professor of Music Education, University of South Dakota; and Shane Wuebben, Fine Arts Coordinator, Sioux Falls School District.
You’re never too old to paint, draw, write poetry or engage in an artistic pursuit. This is the philosophy behind creative aging programs. The South Dakota Arts Council helps make this philosophy happen through its Art for Life program, which brings together arts agencies, elder care facilities, schools and folk and contemporary artists to improve the health and wellness of elders.
The Pew Research Center estimates that by 2035 there will be more people over the age of 65 than children under 17.
Community partners in South Dakota with Art for Life programs include: Judy Larson through the Grand River Arts Council in Lemmon; Jaylyn Farlee through the Keya Foundation in Eagle Butte; Marsha Moore through Aspen Grove in Sturgis; Michele Mechling through the Vermillion Art for Life program; and Tami Showers through Hot Springs Art for Life.
“We decided to add mosaic designs to two concrete benches already in the activities center garden space that needed repair. Not only did we get the benches done, but each participant was able to design and create their own garden mosaic to take home. More importantly, we made friends, used our hands and creativity to work collaboratively, and increased our understanding of how mosaics are made having lasting impressions on societies through time.”
Michele Mechling, Vermillion Art for Life program
“What I like best about the Hot Springs Creative Aging Program is... EVERYTHING!! Chautauqua Artisans are wonderful to work with and the elders that I paint with — the directors/teams that help facilitate the events — are an absolute JOY to know and get creative with... PEOPLE, PEOPLE, AMAZING PEOPLE make this program.”
Feb. 12: Arts Advocacy Day at the Legislature. Meet at the Capitol in Pierre to advocate for and celebrate the arts. Visit ArtsSouthDakota.org for details.
Feb. 12: Governor’s Awards in the Arts. Join us to celebrate individuals and organizations who make an impact in South Dakota through creative expression or outstanding support of the arts.
Support the arts by becoming a member of Arts South Dakota! Learn more and give today at ArtsSouthDakota.org!
Arts South Dakota, a non-partisan and non-profit service organization, advances the arts for South Dakotans and our visitors by connecting, advocating, and educating.
The South Dakota Arts Council is a state agency serving South Dakotans and their communities through the arts.
Tami Showers, Hot Springs Art for Life program, Chautauqua Artisans & Craftsmen of the Black Hills PO Box 2496 Sioux Falls, SD 57101 605-252-5979
info@ArtsSouthDakota.org www.ArtsSouthDakota.org
Arts Alive is being presented in partnership with South Dakota Magazine.
