Rapid City Arts Council Announces Special Programming and New Initiatives to Champion the Arts and Mark 50 Years at the Dahl

Dahl Arts Center 50th Anniversary Season Unveiled
Rapid City Arts Council Announces Special Programming and New Initiatives to Champion the Arts and Mark 50 Years at the Dahl 
 
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Permanent Collection Exhibition & Catalog
Benefit Art Auction & Gala
Community-Wide Celebration
Tell Your Story Reflections
 
RAPID CITY, SD—The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) today announced the much-anticipated 50th anniversary season of the Dahl Arts Center (the Dahl), western South Dakota’s largest community space dedicated to arts and culture, which RCAC has managed since the center opened to the public on October 20, 1974. The celebrations begin with an exhibition of the seminal permanent collection and culminate with a benefit art auction, gala, and unveiling of RCAC’s vision for the next 50 years of championing the power of the arts to bring people together. The fall season will also feature “Friends of the Dahl” concerts and unique events, community reflections on the Dahl, and announcements of new initiatives to enhance opportunities for the public to experience and enjoy the arts at the Dahl.
 
“When we celebrate 50 incredible years at the Dahl, we are celebrating incredible achievements and the relationships within our communities that will make the future plausible. Art is transformative and this milestone is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and reflect on where we’ve been, where we are now, and our dedication to the next 50 years of growth,” said RCAC board president, Anjelica Sasse.

“For 50 years, the Dahl Arts Center has served as a pillar of arts and cultural excellence in our community, showcasing the artistic talents of local citizens of all ages. One of the most important aspects of any community is the quality-of-life opportunities and experiences offered to its citizens and visitors. The multi-purpose community arts center has fulfilled many times over the vision of Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Dahl, whose desire for a community arts center prompted the couple to build and gift the facility to the City in 1974,” said Rapid City mayor, Jason Salamun, in recognition of a commitment to maintaining the Dahl “as a trusted community resource for artistic expression, excellence and inspiration for current and future generations.”

“As we look forward to the next 50 years and beyond, we are excited to imagine a bright future for the Dahl and how it serves our community alongside a devoted community of artists, Dahl members and patrons, staff and community leaders. This coming season is sure to inspire and open doors to new possibilities,” said RCAC executive director Jacqui Dietrich.

50th Permanent Collection Exhibitions
The anniversary season begins with a hallmark exhibition of the Permanent Collection. Select pieces from this collection, which houses over 300 significant works, will be on display at the Dahl starting May 31. This collection preserves the rich artistic heritage of the region. Contemporary regional artists will be displayed in the Denise Du Broy Gallery through August 24, with additional selections from the historic collection on display from June 7 to August 31, in the Sen. Stan Adelstein & Lynda K. Clark Gallery. Admission is free.
 
50 Years at the Dahl: Permanent Collection Catalog
An informative and richly illustrated catalog, "50 Years at the Dahl," will be released following the exhibitions. This volume presents more than 300 pieces of painting, photography, and sculpture acquired as part of the collection since 1978. Pre-orders are available at thedahl.org/50years, with discounts for Dahl members and proceeds benefiting the visual arts programs at the Dahl.
 
Benefit Art Auction & Gala
On October 5, 2024, Friends of the Dahl will host an elegant evening to raise vital funds for the Dahl Arts Center. The gala will feature a benefit auction, a commemoration, and the unveiling of “The Next 50,” a first look at RCAC’s plans for growth and community engagement at the Dahl. To volunteer or RSVP for guest tables or individual tickets please visit thedahl.org/50years.
 
Community-Wide Celebration
On October 24, 2024, from 5-8pm, Friends of the Dahl will host a 70s themed, free, family-friendly event to commemorate the Dahl's opening in 1974. The event will include art activities, tours, demonstrations, games, live throwback music and dancing, and refreshments. 70s attire encouraged.
 
Tell Your Story Reflections
To mark this milestone, celebrations will prominently feature stories and photos of the Dahl throughout the years from members of the community. These reflections will be part of commemorations and a digital archive. The public is encouraged to share memories, reflections, and photos via the website (thedahl.org/50years), email ([email protected]), social media (#Dahl50th), voicemail (605-721-9102), or in person at 713 7th Street, Rapid City by August 31st.
 
Additional programs and events are to be announced. For more information and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit thedahl.org.
 
About
The Dahl Arts Center (thedahl.org) is a community space located in Rapid City, SD. The Dahl includes art galleries, an arts education complex and art studios, performing arts venue, and artist market. The center is open Monday through Saturday; admission is always free.
 
Friends of the Dahl (thedahl.org/membership) are individual members actively involved with visual arts, performing arts, and arts education in our community. Friends of the Dahl provide a vital source of support and funding for the diverse year-round programs, events and arts education at the Dahl.
 
Rapid City Arts Council (rapidcityartscouncil.org): Founded in 1968, 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 partnered with the City of Rapid City in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center on behalf of the community. 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. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.