JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Jackson Hole/Teton County was recognized as one of the most arts-vibrant area in the nation by SMU’s National Center for Arts Research (NCAR) in its 3rd annual review. Teton County, Wyoming, grouped with neighbor Teton County, Idaho, ranked #9 on the list of top 10 most vibrant small arts communities in the US.
The recognition thrilled local art promoters.
“It’s exciting to see hard data back up what we are experiencing first-hand within our community – a thriving, economically relevant arts scene. We are thrilled for Jackson to receive this national recognition,” remarked Martha Bancroft, director of Center for the Arts.
Carrie Geraci, executive director of Jackson Hole Public Art added, “This report is further proof of what we experience every day, the arts scene is robust and positively impacts our daily lives. The arts add meaning to our lives and enrich us in ways beyond economic impacts—the arts also help us appreciate and understand the world around us.”
Lyndsay McCandless, executive director of Center of Wonder praised community contributions saying, “It is wonderful to see Jackson being nationally recognized. We have painters, writers, musicians, filmmakers, dancers and all kinds of creative thinkers living and creating here. It is the people here in Jackson that help bring us such incredible art experiences every day.”
The overall arts vibrancy index is composed of three dimensions: supply, demand, and government support.
“All art forms are represented, at times recognized nationally or internationally for excellence,” the index’s author’s stated.
The index also mentioned numerous cultural amenities in Jackson Hole.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art, which offers a Sculpture Trail in addition to its indoor, permanent collection. The Center for the Arts is a 78,000-square-foot campus with 19 local, regional and state-wide arts and cultural organizations that call the Center home. It has an art gallery, performance theater, dance studios, classrooms, and an in-house community radio station.
Some of the resident companies include Off Square Theatre Company, the Jackson Hole Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Community Theatre, the Jazz Foundation of Jackson Hole, the Jackson Hole Chorale, and pARTners, a school and community partnership.
The Grand Teton Music Festival is a summer classical music festival that brings prestigious soloists and musicians from renowned orchestras to Jackson Hole to share their passion with the local community. Strong mid-size and smaller organizations include the Dancers’ Workshop and the Art Association.
The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival is an internationally known organization that runs film awards for the wildlife film industry, and also is a powerhouse of arts education programming.
Jackson ranks 4th on independent artists per capita and 16th on overall Arts Providers. Local government, individuals, and foundations are very supportive with funding, and overall government support ranks in the top 6% of all cities.
