A Shared Vision for the Black Hills: Call for Interactive Art Proposals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 4, 2026
A Shared Vision for the Black Hills: Call for Interactive Art Proposals

RAPID CITY, SD — The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC), in partnership with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF), invites artists from the Black Hills region to submit proposals for an interactive exhibition exploring shared hopes for the region over the next 20 years.

The exhibition celebrates BHACF’s 20th anniversary of partnering with donors, nonprofits, and community members to strengthen the Black Hills. Selected work will be on view at the Dahl Arts Center from October 9 through December 26, 2026, in the Denise Du Broy and Inez + Milton Shaver Galleries.

RCAC and BHACF are seeking accessible and thought-provoking proposals for participatory art experiences. Submissions should actively involve viewers—whether through direct interaction, contribution, or collaboration—to contemplate the future they want for their community. Strong proposals will emphasize social engagement as a core component, inviting public participation as an integral part of the artwork itself.

Artists are encouraged to explore themes related to how the social, environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the region affects the viewer’s day-to-day life, or the lives of their friends, family, or neighbors. Projects may address community priorities such as affordable housing, healthy outdoor spaces, food security, accessible transportation, healthcare access, senior support, affordable childcare, education, access to information, and access to the arts. Proposals that offer forward-thinking or visionary ideas, inspire optimism, and deepen a sense of belonging by revealing shared goals are especially encouraged.

Applicants must reside within the Black Hills region, specifically the counties of Butte, Meade, Lawrence, Pennington, Custer, Oglala Lakota, and Fall River, and demonstrate experience or knowledge in creating interactive or participatory artwork.

A stipend of up to $10,000, provided by BHACF, will be awarded to the selected artist or team to support the creation and installation of the project. If multiple artists are selected, the stipend will be divided accordingly. Artists retain ownership and intellectual property rights to their work. Payment will be distributed in two installments: 40% upon contract signing for materials, and 60% upon completion of installation.

Timeline

• Submission Deadline: June 26, 2026 (11:59 p.m. MDT)
• Selection Announcement: July 10, 2026
• Opening Reception: October 9, 2026
• BHACF 20th Anniversary Event: October 16, 2026
• Exhibition Dates: October 9 – December 26, 2026

Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF via email to [email protected] by June 26 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. Submissions will be reviewed by a jury including members of the RCAC Exhibits Committee, RCAC curatorial staff, and representatives from BHACF.
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For more information, visit the website, rapidcityartscouncil.org/hopesforthehills. For questions, please contact Jeannie Larson, Gallery Director & Curator, at [email protected]

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For More Information:
Maggie Lepa-Wince
Rapid City Arts Council
605.719.7218
[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.