Rapid City Arts Council Announces the 2024 City Arts Grant Awards

For Immediate Release: March 13, 2024
Rapid City Arts Council Announces the 2024 City Arts Grant Awards

RAPID CITY - Today, to create opportunities for Rapid City residents to have access to the arts, the Rapid City Arts Council announced the 11 organizations receiving awards of up to $19,500 under the 2024 City Arts Contingency Fund.

The City Council authorized RCAC to provide these direct investments in the arts and culture community through the annual city budgeting process with a goal of enriching lives and fostering economic prosperity in the city. This year, RCAC received a total of 15 eligible proposals amounting to $154,100, which were evaluated based on various criteria including merit, feasibility, public benefit, artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural equity. Selected recipients will focus on engaging the public in a diverse range of art forms and disciplines, from music and performance to visual arts and theater throughout the year.

"The sustained commitment to investing in arts and culture is essential to our community's thriving," said Jacqui Dietrich, Executive Director of RCAC. "These recipients exemplify a constant and inspirational dedication to community service and artistic excellence. Our council takes pride in championing the local arts organizations that shape our city's artistic vitality and distinctive cultural identity."

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations serve as vital contributors to Rapid City's economy and social fabric, sustaining approximately 2,700 jobs and generating a staggering $204 million in revenue. Furthermore, a resounding 88% of cultural attendees attest that these organizations serve as pillars within their communities, instilling a sense of pride and belonging.

2024 Arts Contingency Fund Awardees:

• Black Hills Historical Society (formerly, Minnilusa Historical Association) received $5,000 for the storage, curation, exhibition, and programs associated with the Duhamel Collection under a city contract.
• Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, a city establishment, received $19,500 for the concert season, the 4th-grade music safari, and partner performances.
• Dakota Choral Union, a city establishment, received $9,000 supporting a young vocal competition and a three-concert season.
• The Rapid City Municipal Band, a city establishment, received $15,000 for seven summer evening concerts.
• The Rapid City Ranger Band, a city establishment, received $7,500 for the youth summer marching band.
• Black Hills Community Theater received $9,000 for five full theater productions and an array of educational programs and special events.
• Black Hills Pow Wow Association received $9,000 for the annual event featuring world-class championship dancing, singing, art exhibition, and a trade show.
• The Chamber Music Festival received $1,000 for Musical Story Time and Children’s Concerts in conjunction with a three-concert classical music series.
• Flutter Productions, a part of the Black Hills Works family, received $5,000 for a summer production with workshops in theater, acting, dance, and music for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Racing Magpie received $9,000 for artist studios, a Native art gallery, arts and cultural programming and collaborations, and community space.
• Rapid City Arts Council received $9,000 under a contract to manage the fund, in addition to presenting visual art exhibitions, performances, arts education, and arts advocacy while providing free admission to the Dahl Arts Center for 15,000 visitors annually.

To see the findings related to the social and economic impact of Rapid City’s arts and culture organizations, visit rapidcityartscouncil.org/aep6

For more information, contact:
Maggie Jean Wince
Rapid City Arts Council
605.394.4101 x5
[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.​