2025 Wyoming Arts Summit

The Wyoming Arts Council is pleased to announce the 2025 Arts Summit, scheduled to take place in Casper, WY, on October 10. Held every two years, this statewide gathering offers a unique platform for artists, arts administrators, educators, and advocates to connect, learn, and explore Wyoming's diverse and vibrant arts landscape.

This year’s theme, Rooted & Ready: Laying the Groundwork for Creative Momentum, invites Wyoming’s cultural leaders and creative changemakers to come together for a day dedicated to building stronger foundations for the future. The Summit will explore how the arts can be deeply embedded in community wellbeing, accessibility, economic growth, and organizational sustainability.

2025 Program Highlights

The Summit features a full day of sessions designed to equip participants with strategies they can immediately put into practice:

Placemaking: A Civic Act – Jonathan Stone

Keynote presenter, Jonathan Stone will kick off the day with Placemaking: A Civic Act. Jonathan invites us to reimagine the Mountain West as a place where artists and neighbors work side-by-side to shape vibrant communities.

“Something Changed in the Room”: Film and Talk Back – Hilary Camino and David Stubbs

An intimate documentary following a Jackson, Wyoming, music therapist whose work with Parkinson’s and dementia patients shows how music can awaken connection and daily function.

Fundraising: Connection, Communication, and the Ask – Amara Fehring, Wyoming Arts Council, and Brett Kahler, Wyoming Economic Development Association

Build trust, tailor your message, make the ask, and follow up effectively with donors, businesses, and partners.

Digital and Social Media Accessibility – Emily Shuman, Rocky Mountain ADA Center

Make websites, documents, and social content more accessible with practical steps and platform features.

Conflict and You: Why Is This So Hard? – Carrie Bennett, Learning through Difference

Identify your conflict style, learn where it helps or hinders, and leave with approaches you can use immediately on your team.

Set Your Board Up for Success – Tess Mittelstadt, Wyoming Nonprofit Network

Learn how to strengthen your board of directors by setting clear expectations, providing the right tools, and fostering meaningful engagement. This session will cover recruitment strategies, developing effective board expectations, and using a board matrix to enhance the board experience.

Film Screening: The First Drop – Ripple Effects of an Artist – Jennifer Wilkins

Aerial arts as a catalyst for healing and purpose, followed by a live talkback with the filmmaker.

WyAA’s State of the Creative Sector Report – Wyoming Arts Alliance (WyAA)

After a year of research, surveys, and community conversations, the Wyoming Arts Alliance will share highlights from its State of the Creative Sector report. This session will cover key findings and outline the actions WyAA and its partners plan to take to support Wyoming’s creative economy.

From Ideas to Action: Closing Activation Session

A facilitator-led wrap up with roundtables featuring presenters and Arts Council staff to map concrete next steps.

Additional Special Events

Biennial Fellowship Exhibition Reception
Thursday, October 9 | 6–8 p.m.
Nicolaysen Art Museum, Casper
Free and Open to the Public
Join the Wyoming Arts Council for the opening reception of the 2025 Biennial Fellowship Exhibition on Thursday, October 9, 6–8 p.m. at The Nicolaysen Art Museum in Casper. Curated by Ginger Porcella, the exhibition showcases recent Visual and Performing Arts Fellowship recipients, including Aubrey Edwards, Adrianna Hinds, Wendell Field, Rose Pecos-Sun Rhodes, Oakley Boycott, Bailey Russel, Sophie Barksdale, Brittney Denham Whisonant, Bruce A. Cook III, and Scott Tedmon-Jones.

Wyoming Arts & Culture Reception at Art 321, Hosted by WyAA and Wyoming Humanities
Friday, October 10 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Art 321, Casper
Free and Open to the Public
Join us for appetizers and beverages with our colleagues from around the state to celebrate the contributions of arts and culture in Wyoming. This reception is co-hosted by the Wyoming Arts Alliance and Wyoming Humanities.

Performing Arts Fellowship Showcase
Saturday, October 11 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Rialto Theater, Casper
Free and Open to the Public
Celebrate the talent of Wyoming’s Performing Arts Fellowship recipients at a special showcase on Saturday, October 11, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at The Rialto Theater in Casper. Featured performers include Kalyn Beasley, Patrick Chadwick, Beth Denise Vanderborgh, Dave Huebner, and William Conte.

Registration Cost:

We understand that attending events can be a financial stretch, and we want the Arts Summit to be accessible to everyone. If you’re able to register at a higher tier, your support helps cover event costs and makes it possible for others to attend at a reduced rate. If a lower tier is a better fit for your budget, please choose the option that works best—no questions asked. And if even the lowest tier presents a barrier, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mandy at mandy.connelley@wyo.gov. We’re here to help ensure that cost doesn’t stand in the way of participation.

Hotel Information:

A block of hotel rooms are available at the Best Western Downtown Casper at a discounted rate of $119/night plus taxes and fees. Reservations can be booked online at the following URL: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.51075.html?groupId=A57ME4M5 or called in at (307) 439-2074.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

If you're interested in sponsoring the 2025 Arts Summit, please contact Amara at the Wyoming Arts Council: amara.fehring@wyo.gov. We’d love to partner with you!

Accessibility:

The Arts Council is committed to reducing barriers for participation. If you require disability accommodations, please contact Ismael Dominguez at ismael.dominguez@wyo.gov or 307-275-4476 by September 15.