Rock Springs named as pilot for Wyoming Arts Alliance program

Rock Springs was recently named one of three pilot communities for the Wyoming Arts Alliance Professional Development Program. The Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency and Community Fine Arts Center jointly applied for the program earlier this fall.

The Wyoming Arts Alliance’s (WyAA’s) mission is to advance a creative and culturally vibrant state, fulfilling their vision of More Art. Better Wyoming. In support of that mission and vision, and supported by recommendations from the 2016 Community Forum and Survey Results, WyAA launched a pilot community professional development program to address the professional development and leadership training needs identified as critical to building a stronger consortium of voices in support of the arts as key components in community development and a creative statewide economy.

In their application, the Rock Springs Main Street/URA and Community Fine Arts Center touted the community’s growing art scene including the addition of large scale murals, art events, Broadway Theater programing and other programs that take place annually in Rock Springs. They further identified the Main Street/URA’s transformation strategies for the downtown district; one of which is based on arts and culture.

“In real estate terms, Downtown Rock Springs has ‘good bones.’ Within a few blocks you’ll find the Community Fine Arts Center, Rock Springs Historical Museum, Rock Springs Public Library, Broadway Theater and Actor’s Mission,” Community Fine Arts Center Director Debora Soule said in a press release.

“We’d love to build on our ‘Home of 56 Nationalities’ heritage and create new ways to embrace and celebrate it; the arts may be the perfect avenue to do so,” Rock Springs Main Street/URA chairwoman Maria Mortensen said in a press release.

Rock Springs will work collaboratively with WyAA’s Program Coordinator on all aspects of developing this unique pilot workshop. The goal of the program is to use this pilot project as the basis for developing future similar workshops. All arts organizations and interested individuals will be invited to participate in the program which will begin in earnest following the holidays.

“It’s always great to see Rock Springs being recognized for the great things happening here,” Mayor Tim Kaumo said. “I’m excited to see how this program will further enhance the arts in Rock Springs,” he said.