2026 South Dakota Arts Conference & Arts Leadership Institute Pre-Conference

This year, the Arts Leadership Institute Arts in Healing SD Intensive wlll be offered as a pre-conference session before the State Arts Conference. Join us for one or both!

The Arts in Healing SD Intensive pre-conference is offering optional credit for an additional charge. You can find course information HERE.

South Dakota artists, arts advocates, administrators, art lovers, policymakers as well as community and state leaders who recognize the value of our cultural heritage will join together for a one-day Arts Leadership Institute pre-conference & one-day State Arts Conference scheduled for April 24 & 25 in downtown Rapid City.

Hosted by the South Dakota Arts Council & Arts South Dakota the biennial State Arts Conference will bring a halo of creativity over Rapid City.

The pre-conference & Saturday keynote luncheon will feature Christopher Bailey, Co-founding Director, Jameel Arts and Health Lab, Founder of the WHO Arts and Health Program.

The conference includes workshops, panels, creative excursions, performances, networking opportunities and a Friday night opening reception with music, food & drink at the Dahl Arts Center!

One of the best parts of the State Arts Conference is the chance to network with others who are passionate about the arts in South Dakota. The conference is open to everyone looking to focus and enhance advocacy, accessibility, business for artists, rural design, marketing & more. Ideas and strategies will be shared, and new friendships will be forged. Plenty of time will be scheduled for socializing, networking, and creative excursions throughout downtown Rapid City.

Read more about the keynote, pre-conference & conference offerings, performers, networking opportunities & creative excursions. NOTE when registering:  If you are attending the pre-conference, your ticket includes the Oyate Health Center walking tour. If you are only attending the main conference, please select the Friday Oyate Health Center tour ticket option included in your admission.

For complete conference schedule and information, visit ArtsSouthDakota.org. Questions? Email us!

REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 17.

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EARLY-BIRD PRICING until March 24:

Donors/Members of Arts South Dakota receive reduced pricing to our events & never pay outside processing fees. Join today and enjoy the benefits of Arts South Dakota!

Not sure if you're a member/donor to receive reduced pricing? Visit our Individual Donors or Member Organizations pages.

For questions, please email Shari Kosel.

PLEASE NOTE: If you will be attending both the pre-conference and main conference, you must select each during checkout. 

Want to bring a guest to the Friday night opening reception? Select the Friday night-only ticket option during checkout.

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HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Most rooms are sold out at the Hotel Alex Johnson

Closest Hotels to Hotel Alex Johnson

• Hyatt Place Rapid City/Downtown (<0.1 mi): A modern hotel walking distance to downtown dining and shopping.

• The Rushmore Hotel & Suites, BW Premier Collection (0.2 mi): A contemporary hotel often listed as a top choice for its proximity to downtown amenities.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Rapid City Downtown Convention Center (0.5 mi): Located nearby, offering on-site dining and a convention center.

• Elevation Inn & Suites (0.7 mi): A popular, highly-rated option just outside the immediate downtown hustle.

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Arts South Dakota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization funded entirely by donor contributions and grants. South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Arts South Dakota believes all individuals and communities deserve meaningful artistic experiences. The goal should be full inclusion of all people in all arts and humanities programs and facilities.

For the State Arts Conference, Arts South Dakota can provide, upon request, alternative formats, auxiliary aids, and services necessary for all individuals to participate in all programs and services provided throughout the conference. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Arts South Dakota will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 10 days before the event. Direct accommodation requests to info@artssouthdakota.org.