![A group of eleven people in formal businessware pose for the camera.](https://artsmidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231102_120623-scaled.jpg)
Arts Midwest had the pleasure of gathering with our state arts agency partners in Bismarck, North Dakota from November 1-3, 2023.
Thoughtfully hosted by our partners at the North Dakota Arts Council, this gathering welcomed Executive Directors from Iowa Arts Council, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, Ohio Arts Council, and Wisconsin Arts Board (we missed you, South Dakota!)
Part of Arts Midwest’s commitment to bringing the nine Midwest state arts agencies together to connect and discuss needs and opportunities across the region, this summit included strong conversations about our programs, services, and goals; delicious local fare; and inspiring visits with local arts organizations.
Highlights from our time together include a daylong conversation at the North Dakota State Capitol with our state partners.
The group also visited the Heritage Art Tunnel and the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum – currently home to “On the Edge of the Wind: Native Storytellers & the Land” exhibition, curated by North Dakota Council on the Arts State Folkorist Troyd Geist.
Learn more about the exhibition and hear the stories and interviews on the Museum website.
![A green mural under a bridge showing corn, teepees, and buffalo](https://artsmidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mural-scaled.jpg)
On Friday, we toured downtown Bismarck’s art and gallery scene, stopping at the 5.5 Art Alley, the Bismarck Art & Galleries Association, The Capital Gallery, Bismark Downtown Artist Cooperative, and Gallery 522.
The 5.5 Art Alley is home to a mural that was recently featured in Arts Midwest’s Creativity News Desk.
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November 2, 2023
A New Mural of Indigenous Hope and Healing in Bismarck
By Alicia Hegland-Thorpe
The intention is to bring awareness about the atrocities of the federal Indian boarding schools and to start the healing journey for survivors, their descendants, and extended families.
![A mural of a star quilt on a blue background](https://artsmidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_8778-1024x768.jpg)
![A mural showing a map of North Dakota and all its counties, with a buffalo in the middle and black and white sketches around the outside.](https://artsmidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_8777-1024x768.jpg)
![A portrait of Sitting Bull rendered in sunset colors: fuchsia, purple, orange, and yellow.](https://artsmidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_8774-1024x768.jpg)
![A mural of pickle jars and preserves.](https://artsmidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IMG_8776-1024x768.jpg)
Our time together was invaluable to our work – deepening our partnership, our understanding of this vast region, and experiencing the vibrant arts community in Bismarck.
We extend a heartfelt thanks to Kim Konikow, Executive Director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts, for such a lively and welcoming time in Bismarck.