$100,000 Invested into Arts Nonprofits in Rapid City

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2026
Rapid City Arts Council Announces 2026 Arts Investment Fund Awards

RAPID CITY, SD – In a continued effort to expand access to the arts and invest in cultural vitality, the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) today announced the 18  local organizations selected to receive awards from the $100,000 fund through the 2026 City Arts Contingency Fund.

These direct investments in the local arts ecosystem were made possible through the City of Rapid City’s annual budget process, in which the City Council authorized RCAC to administer the fund. The initiative aims to enrich the lives of residents and stimulate economic growth by supporting creative projects that elevate the community through public engagement, artistic innovation, and cultural equity.

“The availability and disbursement of these funds is a testament to the unique arts and culture ecosystem within Rapid City and the support provided by the City of Rapid City and its elected leaders,” said Travis Dewes, Rapid City Arts Council Executive Director. “This is about investing into the future of our community and we are proud to realize such a vital role in the process.”

RCAC reviewed applications based on several criteria, including artistic merit, feasibility, innovation, and the potential for public benefit. Funded projects span a broad spectrum of disciplines—from music and theater to jazz and inclusive arts events—demonstrating the diversity and creative strength of Rapid City’s nonprofit arts and culture sector.

2026 City Arts Contingency Fund Awardees:

• Bells of the Hills – $1,000 to support the 2026 season.
• Black Hills Center for Equality – $4,500 to support the annual Black Hills Pride Festival, promoting visibility, equity, and celebration.
• Black Hills Community Theatre – $4,000 to sustain youth scholarships.
• Black Hills Dance Theatre, LTD – $5,000 for its collaboration with the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.
• Black Hills Film Festival – $3,000 to support the 2026 Black Hills Film Festival.
• Black Hills Powwow – $3,000 to support the 2026 He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate.
• Black Hills Youth Orchestra – $5,000 to support the 2026 season.
• Catalyst Theater Company – $8,000 to fund Pay-What-You-Can performances, increasing access for all community members.
• Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills – $8,000 to support the ensemble’s 19th season of concerts and outreach.
• Dakota Choral Union – $4,000 to sustain core programming by this long-established city-based ensemble.
• Flutter Productions – $10,000 for its 2026 season.
• Improvise Arts – $2,500 for the 2026 Black Hills Jazz Fest.
• Racing Magpie – $10,000 for artist studios, a Native art gallery, arts and cultural programming, collaborations, and community space.
• Rapid City Concert Association – $1,500 for its 90th concert season.
• Rock the Rez – $13,000 for the very first Rock the Rez summer camp hosted in Rapid City.
• Rushmore Music Festival – $5,000 for Project BeethoVAN, an innovative mobile music education and performance initiative.
• Theatre 605 – $2,500 for the Storybook Island/Theatre 605 Theatre Camp.
• Rapid City Arts Council – $10,000 for fund administration and continued delivery of free arts experiences at the Dahl Arts Center, which welcomes over 15,000 visitors annually with visual art exhibitions, performances, arts education, and advocacy.

To learn more about the economic and social impact of Rapid City’s arts and culture sector, visit rapidcityartscouncil.org.

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For more information, contact:
Maggie Lepa-Wince
Rapid City Arts Council
605.394.4101
[email protected]

The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral, and more inspiring for the communities we serve. RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.