The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is the not-for-profit organization that manages the Dahl Arts Center under contract by the City of Rapid City. It is one of the oldest and most respected arts councils in South Dakota and was incorporated in 1968.  

The Rapid City Arts Council brings art and people together to fuel creativity and innovation and encourage diversity through dynamic partnerships that strengthen the greater community.

The RCAC carries out its mission through educational programs for young people and adults, exhibitions with a special focus on regional artists, and support to artists and arts organizations in the community. In addition, through a public-private partnership with the City of Rapid City, the Council provides leadership on artistic community and cultural development, and manages the
Dahl Arts Center.

STIR - Sustainable, Transparent, Innovative, Responsive.

1. Provide services and resources to artists and art organizations to help increase the capacity of the arts to advance their unique missions to serve the community through the arts.

a. Organize and inspire art forums designed to coalesce resources and create partnerships between city and regional arts organizations.

b. Develop robust short term policies and long term programs to promote and support regional art awareness, education, and assistance programs for individual artists and for publicly and privately sponsored arts projects.

c. Expand arts education programs for all ages at the Dahl and in the schools and community through partnerships.

d. Develop and publicize the RCAC as an arts assistance and advisory agency.

e. In accordance with city strategic goals, incorporate the arts into emerging city parks and recreation programs and projects.

f. Effectively manage the Dahl Art Center to meet community needs and support RCAC goals.


2. Improve resource development and achieve improved financial stability for the RCAC.

a. Create reliable and predictable revenue streams to support budget planning and program scheduling.

b. Strengthen the roles of RCAC board members in fundraising.

c. Expand outreach programs to serve the community and generate income.

d. Achieve a consistent balanced budget management process.

e. Invest in endowment strategies.


3. Strengthen organizational capacity and empower RCAC board members, staff and volunteers.

a. Organize comprehensive board member, staff and volunteer orientation and training systems.

b. Create standardized leadership selection and succession processes.

c. Develop annual board, staff and volunteer evaluation procedures.