Community Development and the Arts
Empowering Wyoming Communities Through the Arts
The Wyoming Arts Council supports the integration of arts and culture into community development efforts across the state. By fostering creativity, enhancing quality of life, and stimulating economic growth, the arts serve as a powerful tool for building vibrant, resilient communities throughout Wyoming—especially in rural and remote areas.
The Economic Impact of Wyoming’s Creative Sector
New data from the University of Wyoming’s Center for Business and Economic Analysis confirms the significant role the arts and culture sector plays in the state’s economy:
- $3.6 billion in total economic output was generated by the creative sector in Wyoming.
- 14,518 jobs were supported, delivering $929 million in labor income.
- $35 million was contributed to local and state tax revenues.
Notably, in 2022, Wyoming’s arts and culture sector added $1.3 billion to the state’s economy—surpassing the combined output of the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sectors by over $350 million.
Creative sector employment continues to grow, with a 1.1% increase since 2018 and standout growth in regions like Sheridan County, which experienced a 46% increase in arts-related employment.
These figures clearly demonstrate that the arts are not just cultural amenities—they are essential to Wyoming’s broader economic strategy.
Spirit of Wyoming Label Art Contest
What started as an unexpected design decision became one of Wyoming’s most innovative arts initiatives. Jackson Hole Still Works founders Chas Marsh and Travis Goodman launched the Spirit of Wyoming Label Art Contest as a way to elevate local artists by featuring their work on the back of Still Works Vodka bottles. What began with a single collaboration has since grown into a celebrated statewide contest, with proceeds supporting the Wyoming Arts Council and the Governor’s Arts Awards.
Each year, eight artists are selected as finalists and the public votes on the winning piece. The selected artist not only receives a cash prize and statewide exposure, but also benefits from a lasting ripple effect—connections, community support, and increased visibility across Wyoming and beyond. As one of the few business-led arts contests of its kind, this program exemplifies how creative partnerships can fuel economic opportunity and highlight Wyoming’s vibrant artistic talent.
By partnering directly with the Wyoming Arts Council, Jackson Hole Still Works amplifies the contest’s impact far beyond the art world. Their ongoing support provides essential funding for statewide arts programs that support emerging artists and foster arts education across Wyoming. This kind of public-private collaboration strengthens the cultural infrastructure of the state, ensuring that creative opportunities are not limited by geography or access. When a local business invests in the arts, it doesn’t just support individual artists—it uplifts entire communities, enriches quality of life, and contributes to a more connected, creative Wyoming.
Arts as a Catalyst for Tourism and Community Engagement
The arts significantly enhance Wyoming’s appeal as a destination:
- Cultural travelers stay longer and spend more than typical tourists.
- Arts events—including festivals, gallery exhibitions, and performances—attract both locals and visitors, boosting economic activity across sectors like hospitality, retail, and dining.
Investing in local arts infrastructure strengthens community identity and creates year-round attractions that enrich the lives of residents while drawing visitors from across the region.
Enhancing Social Wellbeing Through the Arts
The arts contribute to healthier, more connected communities in meaningful ways:
- Communities with strong arts engagement report higher civic participation, stronger social ties, and improved child welfare.
- Arts programming in healthcare settings supports patient recovery by reducing stress, improving pain management, and lowering reliance on medication.
- Participation in the arts is linked to improved mental health and reduced isolation, especially among youth, seniors, and veterans.
These benefits position the arts as a valuable public health and community development resource—not just a cultural one.
Building a Creative Workforce for the Future
The skills developed through arts education and engagement are central to 21st-century workforce readiness:
- Creativity is ranked the #1 soft skill sought by employers, ahead of communication, adaptability, and collaboration.
- Arts involvement fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, helping Wyoming’s workforce adapt to an increasingly knowledge-based economy.
- Companies that invest in creativity report higher productivity, better customer experiences, and greater financial performance.
As Wyoming diversifies its economy, the creative sector provides a foundation for innovation, talent retention, and entrepreneurial growth.
Resources and Support for Community Arts Initiatives
The Wyoming Arts Council offers a variety of programs and services to help communities grow their creative capacity:
- Grant Opportunities for public art, community projects, residencies, education programs, and cultural infrastructure.
- Workshops and Trainings to build capacity for artists, educators, and nonprofit leaders.
- Partnership Development with schools, libraries, parks, museums, and civic organizations to expand arts access.