Culture find: What’s up with Sioux Falls?

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Thirty years ago, I graduated from high school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and basically never looked back.   In 1985, I drove to Minneapolis, by way of Gustavus and found a new, more cosmopolitan life.  Well…that was then, this is now!  The photos I’m posting are of the Sculpture Walk, on display in downtown Sioux Falls.  Artist from all over the globe inquire about how they can get their work in the rotation that literally attracts thousands of onlookers every season – year round.

Today, one gets the sense that people might consider moving from the Twin Cities to Sioux Falls to find a vibrant arts community, bursting with industry, fine medical care and a great place to raise a family.

My new connection involves working with the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues organization, who retained me to help them build a compelling vision and strategy for their 20-year future.  Over the past 20 years, they have grown from a couple of volunteer back yard concerts, into a healthy, vibrant subscription-based arts organization that really turns heads.  Some of the best jazz and best blues artists in the world have stopped to play at the Jazzfest – one of the largest free, open air music festivals in the country.  Recently, they attracted more than 100,000 people for Jazzfest – hosted every year in a public park.

It goes without saying that my civic pride is bursting – from both ends.  With spectacles like Target Field rising recently onto the Twin Cities scene…one gets the sense that Sioux Falls is going to have the next ‘big thing.’  While you are waiting, why not visit the Sculpture Walk to see what some of the world’s finest are putting on display.

What’s up with Sioux Falls anyway?[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]