Each year, several of Arts Midwest’s State Arts Agency partners hold Impact Day Conferences. These state-specific gatherings are an essential capacity-building tool for the arts field that bring people together and provide impactful resources for the arts sector.
Recently, Arts Midwest staff attended and presented at three significant Impact Days across our region: Arts Impact Ohio, the South Dakota Arts Conference, and the Iowa Arts Summit.
Arts Impact Ohio (May 15-16, 2024)
About 350 arts administrators, arts educators, and artists gathered in Toledo for Arts Impact Ohio 2024, making it the Ohio Arts Council’s largest in-person professional development conference to date. The two-day conference featured 25 breakout sessions on a wide range of topics, including the intersection of the arts and artificial intelligence, uniting philanthropy and marketing, engaging diverse learners of all ages with arts education experiences, and more.
Alana Horton, Arts Midwest’s Communications Officer, presented on “Unlocking Arts Funding: Navigating Regional and National Grant Opportunities” alongside Jenn Hughes from the NEA. The room was at capacity, reflecting strong interest in the topic.
Other highlights included a kick-off conversation with facilitator and acclaimed author Priya Parker on creating a sense of belonging in modern gatherings, a keynote presentation by Dr. Tasha Golden on the power of the arts to heal and lead positive change, a panel discussion on Toledo’s public art programs, and a session on demystifying the ADA with Robin Jones from the Great Lakes ADA Center. Attendees also had ample opportunities to network, enjoy performances by local artists, and explore Toledo’s vibrant arts scene through community site visits known as “ArtArounds.”
Donna Collins, Executive Director of the Ohio Arts Council“Arts Impact Ohio is an opportunity for the creative genius of Ohioans to shine. For a few days we gather to learn, share, grow, and return home with new ideas and examples of innovative opportunities. From the art of gathering to exploring new concepts, the arts are better when we come together!”
South Dakota Arts Conference (June 8, 2024)
The biennial South Dakota Arts Conference in Sioux Falls, co-hosted by the South Dakota Arts Council and Arts South Dakota, brought together over 160 champions of the arts from across the state for meaningful workshops, dynamic speakers, and creative idea exchanges.
The event kicked off with opening remarks from Torrie Allen, Arts Midwest’s president and CEO, and was also attended by Angela Zonunpari, Arts Midwest’s Managing Editor. Randy Cohen, VP of Research at Americans for the Arts delivered a keynote, and participants attended impactful sessions as well as live performances at Levitt at the Falls.
This year’s conference emphasized advocacy, reminding participants of their role as frontline activists for the arts in South Dakota. Representatives from the state’s Community Arts Councils, traveling a combined total of 8,000 miles, shared success stories and their passion for the cultural environment. City leaders highlighted the integration of creative programming into everyday life across South Dakota, demonstrating the arts’ vital role in driving local and state economies through jobs, ticket sales, and tax revenues.
Patrick Baker, Executive Director of the South Dakota Arts Council“The value of South Dakota’s arts community coming together for a statewide conference cannot be overstated. Artists and arts organizations thrive through connection and the opportunity to learn from one another and share our stories; all you need to do is get these people together to see creative sparks fly.”
Iowa Arts Summit (June 18, 2024)
The biennial Iowa Arts Summit brought together 263 Iowan creatives, nonprofit professionals, and community leaders for networking, learning, and celebrating the arts. The opening plenary dove into how to deepen the social impact of the arts through collaboration. Throughout the day, attendees joined regional breakout rooms, attended panels, and participated in creative activities like weaving and story sharing that connected them to new faces.
Alana Horton presented once again on “Unlocking Arts Funding: Navigating Regional and National Grant Opportunities,” this time alongside Lara Garritino from the NEA. As in Ohio, the session drew a full house, underscoring the ongoing need for knowledge about funding opportunities within the arts community.
The Midwest is home to a vibrant and creative arts community. Through presentations, networking, and the exchange of innovative ideas, Impact Days help arts professionals navigate challenges and opportunities. We look forward to attending more of these events in the future!