Arts Summit
The Wyoming Arts Summit is a biennial statewide gathering that brings together artists, arts administrators, educators, and advocates to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen Wyoming’s creative sector. Hosted by the Wyoming Arts Council, the Summit provides professional development opportunities, inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and space for meaningful collaboration across communities and disciplines.
2025 Arts Summit: October 9-11 in Casper
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025 | 8am-5pm
Location: The Lyric, Casper
Theme: Rooted & Ready: Laying the Groundwork for Creative Momentum
On Friday, October 10, artists, arts administrators, educators, and advocates from across the state will gather in Casper for a full day of connection, inspiration, and practical learning.
This year’s theme, Rooted & Ready, is all about building strong foundations for the future while exploring how the arts strengthen community well-being, increase accessibility, support economic growth, and keep organizations sustainable.
Presented by the Buchanan Center Special Events at the University of Wyoming with support from Creative West and in partnership with the Wyoming Arts Alliance, Wyoming Nonprofit Network, and Wyoming Economic Development Association.
Keynote Spotlight
Jonathan Stone will kick off the day with Placemaking: A Civic Act. Jonathan invites us to imagine a future where the Mountain West thrives through the power of community-rooted creativity. This interactive keynote reframes placemaking as a civic act—where artists and residents work side-by-side to shape the future of their communities. Blending an entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for community, he showcases authentic people-powered projects that inspire action. He has partnered with more than 60 communities nationwide as a consultant with Main Street America, is the former Executive Director of the award-winning Downtown Oregon City Association, and is the former Executive Director of Creative Flagstaff. He is currently based in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Resources from the 2025 Presenters
Explore presentation materials, tools, and follow-up resources shared during the 2025 Wyoming Arts Summit. These materials are designed to help artists, organizations, and community leaders continue learning and implementing best practices in their creative work.
Digital and Social Media Accessibility
Presented by Emily Shuman from the Rocky Mountain ADA Center, this session focused on improving accessibility across digital communications, including websites, social media, and online events.
Presentation Slides
Download a copy of the presentation: 2025 Wyoming Arts: Digital and Social Media Accessibility
Additional Training
Want to expand your accessibility knowledge or share it with others? Explore free online accessibility training through the Rocky Mountain ADA Center.
Certificates of Completion
Participants who attended this session may request a certificate of completion. Certificates qualify for ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP) credits and SHRM professional development credits. Please reach out to Emily directly for your certificate of completion.
2025 Event Schedule
Click on the schedule below to download a PDF copy
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.
2025 Special Arts Summit Events
Oakley Boycott’s SOUND Endurance Performance
Nicolaysen Art Museum, Casper
Thursday, October 9 | 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, October 10 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • Talk Back at 3 p.m.
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.
Wyoming Humanities’ 2025 Culture Forum
Saturday, October 11 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Lyric in Casper or via livestream anywhere
Tickets are $5, Registration: https://2025-culture-forum-wyoming.eventbrite.com
Wyoming’s cultural institutions are coming together for a day of connection, collaboration, and big ideas. From adaptability and sustainability to development and partnerships, this gathering is all about building a stronger future while learning from friends across the state.
2023 Recap Video
Past Arts Summits
2023 Arts Summit
LOCATION: Sheridan – October 26-29, 2023
2023 Keynote Speakers
- Rural Recharge: Patterns and Propositions by Richard Saxton, Matthew Fluharty, and Margo Handwerker from M12 Studio
- Creating an Indigenous Arts Ecology by Justin Huenemann from First People’s Fund
Presenter Links and Resources
Non-profit Awkward Stages Slideshow by Carrie Bennett of Learning through Difference
ADA Overview and Principals of Accessibility Slideshow by Emily Shuman of Rocky Mountain ADA Center
2021 Connecting through the Arts
LOCATION: Virtual – November 1-5, 2021
2021 Keynote Speakers
Beth Kanter, Trainer, Facilitator, and Author
Aaron Dworkin, MacArthur Fellow, Social Entrepreneur, Filmmaker, Performing Artist, Philanthropist, and Professor
2019 Equity in the Arts
LOCATION: Cheyenne, WY – November 7-9, 2019
2019 Keynote Speakers
- Mary Anne Carter, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
- Pam Breaux, President and CEO of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA)
- Roxanne Anderson, 2018 Bush Fellow and City of Minneapolis City Making Artist
Artwalk Featured Artists
- Musicians: Michael Gould, Leigh Martin Duo, Jason Tyler Burton, The Two Tracks Duo, Kaycee TenBoer, Hillery Lynn, Y-O, & Culmination
- Artists: Greg Fladager, Kevin Robinette, Mike MacIntosh, Donna Schultz, Georgia Rowswell, Dave Rowswell, Michelle Martin, Phillippa Lack, Alisha Isaacson, Michelle Martin, Phillippa Lack, Donna Person, Sandi Underwood, Mary Schumacher, Sammie Smith, Carroll Roth, Susan Augie, Brenda Treuthardt,Bev Finger, Gail Sundell, Shawna Pickinpaugh, Talissa Abeyta, Curt Theobald, Chris Amend, Steve Knox, Elizabeth Rulli, Danielle Kirby, Paul Taylor, & Gene Gagliano
2019 Sponsors
Arts Cheyenne
Warehouse Twenty One
Little America Hotel & Resort
2017 Arts Summit
LOCATION: Lander, WY – November 2-4, 2017
2017 Keynote Speakers
Maria Lopez De León, President, CEO and board member of the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC)
Kealoha, Poet Laureate of Hawai`i. As an internationally acclaimed poet and storyteller
Savannah Barrett, Director of Programs for Art of the Rural and co-founder of the Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange
