Rapid City, South Dakota – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual Arts Alley Cleanup Day will be held on May 11, 2024. The initiative aims to revitalize the city's iconic art array for visitors and new murals. summer season.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. behind the Art House on Main Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues), where RCAC will be distributing cleaning supplies and connecting volunteers who want to make a difference downtown this spring. Volunteers will be working until 2 p.m., picking up trash, power washing, and covering unauthorized tags to revitalize the space for artists and the community to enjoy this summer.
More than 20 years ago, this famous downtown alley became a center of artistic expression as graffiti artists took note of its main brick walls. The name “Art Alley” was born when artists, community members, and city officials came together to recognize the importance of the site as a public art venue. In 2016, the city implemented a permit system managed by the Rapid City Arts Council. In 2023, Black Hills Energy completed an innovative construction project that embedded infrastructure and expanded access to exposed brick walls and open sky views. Today, the walls are constantly changing, sometimes multiple times a day, making Art Alley a vibrant public art space and a popular destination for artists, locals, and tourists.
Art Alley welcomes thousands of visitors each year, and Cleanup Day efforts keep Rapid City in tip-top condition. RCAC invites the public to participate in this effort, including local businesses, community organizations, and individuals passionate about the Arts Alley. Your support is invaluable in making Art Alley Cleanup Day a success. If possible, bring your own power washer (BYOPW). RCAC will provide additional supplies and equipment.
