The South Dakota Legislature, being aware of the impact of culture on a stable economy, desires to stimulate, encourage, and give recognition and assistance to the arts which, in order to grow and flourish, depend upon freedom, imagination and individual initiative. While the development of the arts has long been considered a matter of local concern, there is a need to unify and coordinate these forces on a statewide basis. The arts, the creative spirit which motivates them and which they personify, are an essential part of the state's human resources. The best interest of the state and its people requires that artistic expression in all of its forms be disseminated for everyone to see, appreciate and enjoy in order for South Dakota's cultural and economic progress to be sustained and given impetus. In order to accomplish this, the South Dakota Arts Council composed of eleven members appointed by the Governor was established. The South Dakota Arts Council is a state agency serving South Dakotans and their communities through the arts. Recognizing the importance of creativity in the lives of all South Dakotans, the Council makes quality arts accessible throughout the state by providing encouragement, grants, services and information to artists, arts organizations, schools, and the public. This paper presents the South Dakota Arts Council's public values and long range goals, detailing strategy, actions, timing, outcomes, and evaluation measures for each goal respectively.