Rapid City Arts Council and Mines Launch New Partnership Connecting Arts and University Communities

A new partnership between the Rapid City Arts Council and South Dakota Mines is opening the door to greater access to arts, culture and creative experiences for the university community. Through the initiative, all current South Dakota Mines students, faculty and staff will receive complimentary annual memberships to the Rapid City Arts Council, strengthening the connection between campus and the region’s vibrant arts community.

Travis Dewes, executive director of the Rapid City Arts Council, announced the partnership during the university's fall convocation yesterday.

"The Rapid City Arts Council has always been committed to welcoming new audiences and creating meaningful opportunities for people to engage with the arts," said Dewes. "We're excited to open our doors even wider to the talented students, faculty, and staff of South Dakota Mines and look forward to building lasting relationships through this partnership."

Under the partnership, eligible members of the university community can activate their free membership by presenting a valid university ID. Being a Friend of the Dahl includes access to member-exclusive benefits such as discounted art education classes, performing arts and special event tickets and purchases in the Artists’ Market.

"We are excited to partner with the Rapid City Arts Council to provide our students, faculty, and staff with greater access to the arts and the many opportunities the Dahl Arts Center offers," said Mines President Brian Tande, Ph.D. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to enriching the educational experience and strengthening connections between South Dakota Mines and the broader Rapid City community. We look forward to future collaboration that will create new opportunities that benefit both of our organizations and the region.”

The collaboration is part of a broader effort by both institutions to promote staff exchange and collaboration, joint research activities and publications, and further professional development for staff. By removing financial barriers to membership, the partnership encourages students, educators, researchers and staff to explore exhibitions, attend programs, take an art class, and become active participants in the region's cultural life.

As both institutions engage in dialogue to further collaborative efforts, more opportunities will become available to stakeholders at both institutions, as well as to the public.

Mines faculty, staff and students can learn more about eligibility and activate their complimentary membership by visiting thedahl.org/membership or stopping by the Dahl Arts Center Guest Services desk.