Dear Colleague, 

I recently had the privilege of attending an Army Air Force Memorial and 467th Bomb Group Exhibit at the Historic Wendover Airfield. The airfield museum is launching a campaign to erect a memorial dedicated to the 15,500 Army Air Force personnel who lost their lives in training accidents. I was honored to be given time to speak about the vital role museums play in our Utah communities. 

I also recently addressed the Logan Rotary Club on the importance of arts and museums. I really value these opportunities to meet people around the state and sing the praises of our cultural community. 

October is Arts and Humanities Month. As the leaves change color and life continues its cycle of renewal, it is fitting to consider the important role arts and humanities play in our lives, our culture, and our nation. The arts are an expression of who we are, what we've been, and who we want to be. Arts and humanities cultivate human qualities such as empathy, critical thinking, and ethical understanding. They help people understand themselves and others. I'm proud to work in a field that values and respects the human experience. Wishing you inspired arts and humanities activities this month and always! 

Warm wishes,

Victoria Panella Bourns 
Director, Utah Division of Arts & Museums

Pass Down Your Traditional Skills:
Apply for Folk Arts Apprenticeship Grant

This grant provides up to $5,000 to help traditional artists from Utah’s ethnic, Native, rural, and occupational communities share their skills with apprentices from the same cultural background. The grant assists mentors in teaching their craft and ensuring these valuable traditions continue. Applications must be submitted jointly by both the mentor and one or two apprentices. All grant funds will be paid directly to the mentor. Submit your application by Nov. 17.

Folk Art Workshop

Explore a sweet tradition of honoring life and loved ones, and take home your own decorated sugar skull! In this hands-on workshop, you will discover the tradition of decorating calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) and learn the meaning behind the vibrant colors and designs as you use royal icing to create a personal piece of folk art. Join us Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. 

Frightening Fun
in October

Throughout the month of October, our Chase Home Museum will be displaying a special exhibition, "After Midnight," paired with memorable programming. Keep an eye on our website for information on upcoming events, including scary storytelling nights and mask-making! 

Exhibition Space Scholarship
for Salt Lake Art Show 2026

This pilot scholarship program supports Utah artists in obtaining exhibition space as part of the Salt Lake Art Show taking place May 14-17, 2026, at the Mountain America Expo Center. Intended to provide an incentive to artists in selling and marketing their art and to encourage a new economic opportunity in Utah, up to $1,500 in reimbursements to help with booth space costs will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 10 scholarships are available. 

SWA Exhibition
Artist Reception

We're delighted to partner with Southern Utah Museum of Art to host the 2025 Utah Statewide Annual exhibition, our annual art exhibition that features current, outstanding work by Utah-based artists. This year's theme is Painting, Sculpture, and Installation, and the show is on display until Sept. 27. Join us for the Artist and Juror Reception on Saturday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Jurors' Presentation starting at 5 p.m.

Public Art 101: Concept to Commission

Discover the fundamentals of public art! This session offers an overview of the public art process for Utah art agencies, including how projects are developed, how artists are selected, and what it takes to bring a creative vision to life. Whether you're an emerging or experienced artist, a community member, or simply curious about how public art comes to be, this is a great opportunity to learn and engage with others interested in the public art process. Registration is free. 

Change Leader Institute Application Is Open

The application for the Fall 2025 Change Leader Institute closes on Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. The institute is a professional development course that addresses leadership issues in relation to leading or surviving change. Our goals are to better equip cultural leaders to deal with environmental and organizational change and to create a statewide support network for Utah's cultural community. 

Preventive Conservation

Join the Museums Field Services team in southwestern Utah for preventative conservation and preservation programming. Each quarter, the Utah Collections Preservation program contains two workshops (Part A, Part B) and three webinars that center around a preservation theme. Workshops are in-person, full-day events and occur in two parts. Webinars are online, free to attend, and take place on the third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. For the full event calendar, visit the UCP homepage via the link below.

Photo by Lansia Wann

Get Involved with America 250 Utah

Our department's America 250 Utah Commission is organizing events in the state to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Your organization can get involved by requesting a branding kit on the America 250 Utah website. 

The views and opinions expressed in any content from outside partners do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Division of Arts & Museums. 

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Utah Division of Arts & Museums
3760 S Highland Drive 
Millcreek, UT 84106

A division of the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement

Donna Law,
Executive Director

Victoria Panella Bourns, 
Director