RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Arts Council has named Travis Dewes as its new executive director, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for one of the Black Hills’ most prominent arts organizations.
Dewes, a Rapid City native, most recently served as cultural programs manager at The Indian Museum of North America at Crazy Horse Memorial. In that role, he worked with hundreds of Indigenous artists and culture bearers from across North America, overseeing residencies, workshops, performances and the annual Native Americans’ Day celebration. He also served as interim museum director, where he guided large-scale program expansions, facility improvements and collections management.
“We are so incredibly excited for Travis to lead this next era of the Rapid City Arts Council,” said board president Anjelica Sasse. “His passion for the arts is palpable in every conversation we’ve had with him. Travis truly understands the power of the arts in our community and the importance of cultivating an atmosphere where all generations can enjoy art.”
Before his work at Crazy Horse Memorial, Dewes held roles at Native Sun News Today in Rapid City as a staff writer, sports editor and columnist under the mentorship of longtime journalist Tim Giago. He has also served on the Museum Alliance of Rapid City board since 2019 and was recently re-elected under the organization’s new structure following the merger of the Journey Museum and Black Hills Historical Society. He will step down from the board to focus on his new role.
Dewes holds a bachelor’s degree in history from South Dakota State University and a professional certificate in sustainable tourism destination management from George Washington University.
He succeeds interim executive director Marty Two Bulls Jr., who said serving in the role during the transition was “an honor” but looks forward to returning to his studio.
As executive director, Dewes will lead the council and the Dahl Arts Center in supporting local artists, expanding inclusive programming and strengthening community connections through the arts in Rapid City and the Black Hills.
