CASPER, Wyo. – Sept. 22, 2025 – The Wyoming Arts Council will host the 2025 Arts Summit on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, starting at 8:30 a.m., at The Lyric, 230 W. Yellowstone Hwy., Casper. The biennial statewide gathering brings together artists, arts administrators, educators, and advocates for a day of professional development, collaboration, and inspiration.

 

This year’s theme, Rooted & Ready: Laying the Groundwork for Creative Momentum, explores how the arts strengthen community well-being, drive economic growth, and support organizational sustainability.

Registration is available now at 2025WyomingArtsSummit.eventbrite.com and the deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.

 

The 2025 Arts Summit is made possible in part by the Buchanan Center Special Events at the University of Wyoming, with additional support from Creative West, the Wyoming Arts Alliance (WyAA), the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, and the Wyoming Economic Development Association.

 

Featured Keynote: Placemaking: A Civic Act

Jonathan Stone will open the Summit with, Placemaking: A Civic Act. His keynote invites participants to reimagine the Mountain West as a region where artists and neighbors work side-by-side to shape vibrant communities. Stone has partnered with more than 60 communities nationwide through his work with Main Street America, is the former executive director of the award-winning Downtown Oregon City Association, and previously led Creative Flagstaff. He is based in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Program Highlights:

• Building stronger boards that reflect communities

• Fundraising with confidence and connection

• Digital and social media accessibility

• Navigating conflict with courage and new tools

• Film screenings and talkbacks on the healing power of the arts

• Data insights from the Wyoming Arts Alliance’s State of the Creative Sector report

• Closing activation session to turn ideas into action

Special Events:

• Biennial Fellowship Exhibition Reception – Thurs., Oct. 9, 6:00–9:00 p.m., Nicolaysen Art Museum

• Oakley Boycott’s SOUND Endurance Performance – Nicolaysen Art Museum, Casper

• Thurs., Oct. 9 | 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

• Fri., Oct. 10 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

• Sat., Oct. 11 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Talk Back at 3:00 p.m.

• Wyoming Arts & Culture Reception – Fri., Oct. 10, 5:30–7:00 p.m., ART 321

• Performing Arts Fellowship Showcase – Sat., Oct. 11, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., The Rialto Theater

• Wyoming Humanities’ 2025 Culture Forum – Sat., Oct. 11, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., The Lyric and livestreamed statewide (purchase your $5 tickets here)

All public events are open to all, offering a chance to experience Wyoming’s creative excellence firsthand. For more information about the Arts Summit, visit wyomingartscouncil.org.