Our History

Our Roots

The Bighorn Arts Collective is a newly established organization with deep roots in Sheridan County’s vibrant arts community. Beginning in 2023, the collective was formed by a coalition of longstanding cultural institutions and represents a shared commitment to collaboration, creativity, and community.

While we are new in name, our foundation is built on decades of impactful arts programming and partnership. Sheridan has long been home to a thriving creative ecosystem—anchored by large and small arts organizations and supported by our incredible community. These institutions have shaped the region’s cultural landscape, fostering generations of artists, audiences, and supporters.

Reimagining

One of the most beloved expressions of this artistic legacy was Celebrate the Arts, a community-wide festival that ran for over X years and brought together artists, performers, and the public in a joyful celebration of creativity. In 2024, the Collective launched the Collective Arts Festival, a bold reimagining of that tradition. This new, day-long event brings the community together at Whitney Commons for music, performance, visual arts, literary readings, family activities, and more—reflecting both the legacy we inherit and the future we’re building together.

Our Future

The Bighorn Arts Collective exists to amplify the impact of our arts institutions through shared vision, pooled resources, and meaningful partnerships. Our history is just beginning—but it’s backed by generations of creative excellence.