The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) recently awarded six $5,000 grants to support community-based arts and cultural initiatives celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. SDAC’s America 250 Community Arts program encouraged organizations across South Dakota to create public programm ing highlighting local stories, history, culture, and civic engagement through the arts. The grant opportunity offered $5,000 awards to eligible South Dakota organizations for projects taking place between May 18 and Sept. 30, 2026. The funded activities will foster community participation, increase public access to arts and culture, and contribute to statewide celebration efforts connected to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, these projects help tell the unique stories of South Dakota communities through creativity, history, and community pride,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “We are proud to support programs that bring people together, celebrate our shared heritage, and inspire meaningful community engagement through the arts.” SDAC received 31 applications representing a diverse range of community arts, cultural heritage, educational, and public engagement projects. Six applicants were selected to receive funding awards of $5,000 each: Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. – Free public concert performances will be held in July celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, presented by the Sioux Falls Municipal Band. The events will feature patriotic musical selections at the Sioux Falls fireworks celebration and the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial during a nationwide synchronized reading of the Declaration of Independence. Yankton Area Arts – A free public celebration will be held June 30 that includes a live patriotic band concert held at Riverside Park Amphitheater and a special exhibit at YAA’s gallery space. The event will include a design contest to create a wearable keepsake that will be distributed free of cost to attendees. Bison Education Enrichment Foundation – A free public event will take place in July inviting the public to share spoken histories focusing on rural life on the shortgrass prairie. The stories will be shared with a youth theater camp where young artists will help develop an original theatrical production that honoring the voices and stories of agriculture, isolation, and environmental experiences within the region. Codington County Historical Society and Heritage Museum – A multiday event will take place in early July and August in downtown Watertown transforming it into a festival space. Streets will close for three evening concerts themed around Red (freedom/democracy), White (civic responsibility), and Blue (community/service), along with storytelling and readings from founding documents. The event will also support a scavenger hunt style passport program that will connect the public to local history and community life. Dacotah Prairie Museum – A free public art competition and community event will be held in Aberdeen during the Brown County Fair. Regional adult and youth artists will create original artwork live on-site while fair attendees observe, interact, and participate in activities focused on American identity, local history, and future generations. The event includes themed competitions, a fast-paced “25-Minute Challenge” inspired by Brown County history, public voting, and an extended exhibit of selected works to encourage community engagement with art, history, and shared cultural traditions. City of Yankton Task Force for America Celebrate 250 – Two free events for the public and youth will take place on July 2. Jeff Gould will present an “American Story” through history, music, poetry, and visuals that explain the “great American experience”. The events will be held within the theater in downtown Yankton, providing ADA accessibility. ...read more read less