Aberdeen Area Arts Council Names New Director

Last December, Jason Hill started his new role as the Executive Director of the Aberdeen Area Arts Council.

Originally from Michigan, Hill moved to Aberdeen in 1994. When he was attending Ferris State University, he served as the vice president of the campus activity board.

“It got me in the field of setting up events,” Hill said.

Hill has also been very active in the local music scene, and has With his background in organizing events and a lifelong love of art, his new role seemed like a perfect fit. He said that while transitioning into his new role, Co-Director Grace Chipman and Stacy Braun have been a big help.

Overall, Hill said that he is optimistic about his new position and wants to bring more art to Aberdeen while highlighting local artists.

“You can only make a community better by doing things for the community,” he said. “I’ve thought about what cool things I could bring to town.”

Hill said that they are working on finding more touring artists and bringing more concerts to Aberdeen. Planning for this summer’s Arts in the Park is in full swing, and Hill said that they would like to bring in more live acts to the event.

More projects they have been planning include miniature art galleries similar to the little library boxes around town. Local artists would be able to display their creations in these boxes. Hill also said that they would like to introduce art supply exchange boxes, where artists can drop off unwanted art supplies for those who may need them.

In February, the first Home is Where the Art is billboard was installed in Aberdeen. Home is Where the Art is is a new partnership between Arts South Dakota and Lamar Advertising. South Dakota Community Arts Councils were invited to participate in the new project. Twelve billboards across the state will display artworks from local artists. Each billboard has been provided at no cost and will be on display for at least four weeks and will remain until the space is taken over by a new sponsor. Aberdeen’s billboard features artwork from Lance Smith and can be seen at 11 North State Street. //