Executive Director to Depart the Arts Council

From Jacqui Dietrich, Executive Director, Rapid City Arts Council  

Dear Friends of RCAC & The Dahl,

This week, I shared with the Rapid City Arts Council board and staff that December 6, 2024, will be my last day as Executive Director. I am transitioning into a new role to serve the community as CEO of the John T. Vucurevich Foundation, an organization that has long supported RCAC’s mission and has been instrumental in expanding our work during my tenure.

As I prepare to step away, I am filled with both gratitude and pride. When I joined RCAC, we were in the aftermath of the pandemic, facing challenges which required resilience, collaboration, and dedication. Over the past two years, our team has not only revived but also grown our programs, strengthened our financial footing, and built a strategic path forward. Together, we have created a renewed vision for the future, doubled membership, and held our most successful fundraiser to date in celebration of the Dahl’s 50th anniversary. 

Through the support of our incredible community and national funders like the U.S. Department of Justice, South Dakota Arts Council through the Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the John T. Vucurevich Foundation, we invested over $2 million in public arts programming, education, artist support, and grantmaking. All while maintaining free admission, we advanced opportunities to inspire and engage, making the arts accessible to more people than ever. We are flourishing!

Deciding to leave the Arts Council after these transformative years was not easy. There are still many exciting projects on the horizon. I am confident in RCAC’s future, knowing that with a talented team, a committed board, and a growing base of passionate artists and members, the Arts Council is in pole position to further our mission. This transition will open doors for a new leader to carry forward our vision of connecting, inspiring, and building community through the arts.

The arts have been a profound part of my own life, shaping my youth and helping me find my voice and purpose and ability to listen. Whether here at RCAC or in my new role with the Vucurevich Foundation, my dedication to creating opportunities for all kinds of people to live more fulfilled lives remains unwavering. I am excited to continue advocating for lasting change and supporting solutions for a vibrant future.

The RCAC Board is actively seeking a new Executive Director to carry on this work. Applications are being accepted through November 15, 2024, and we encourage any passionate leaders to apply.

To everyone who has been part of this journey—our members, volunteers, artists, donors, audience members, and (especially) our team, and my family—THANK YOU. Serving this community has been a true honor, and I look forward to remaining connected as a devoted audience member and Friend of the Dahl.

With heartfelt thanks and excitement for what’s to come,
Jacqui Dietrich  
Executive Director  
Rapid City Arts Council | Dahl Arts Center  

To Apply for the Executive Director Role:
Review the job description here. Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject line: "RCAC ED Application" by November 15, 2024.