The Arts Council of Park City & Summit County will celebrate its 40th anniversary with an "80s Prom" themed party on Wednesday, Nov. 4, marking four decades of arts advocacy and community building in Summit County. The milestone event, held at CREATE PC, aims to honor the organization's history of supporting local creatives and its evolution from a grassroots initiative into a cornerstone of the region's cultural landscape.
40th Anniversary Celebration Details
The celebration is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at CREATE PC, located at 1500 Kearns Blvd., F-110. According to Executive Director Jocelyn Scudder, the event will feature an 80s-themed dress code, a DJ playing music from that decade, free tacos, and a cash bar provided by Top Shelf. The party is open to all ages and will include trivia regarding the history of the Arts Council, a silent auction featuring live artwork created by CREATE PC artists, and an opportunity drawing.
Four Decades of Growth
The Arts Council's journey began in 1986, when its 501(c) status was formulated. The organization was founded by a group of residents including Leslie Miller, Claudia Ward, David Chambers, Katherine Scott Henney, Paul Sincock, and Bruce Shapiro. According to Scudder, the group's initial efforts were driven by the community's intrinsic artistic character and the success of the U.S. Film Festival—now known as the Sundance Film Festival—opening screenings to the public. What began as a small initiative to continue film screenings throughout the year has expanded significantly, growing from a single part-time staffer to an 11-person team.
Leadership and Legacy
The organization has maintained a history of female leadership, with Scudder noting that the council has been helmed by women such as Kathy Hunter, Hadley Dynak, and Scudder herself. Scudder noted that Dynak, who served as a mentor, helped drive the organization in new directions and was instrumental in developing many of its signature events. Following Dynak's departure in 2018, Scudder served as managing director and interim executive director before being appointed to the permanent role in 2019.
Economic Impact on Local Artists
The Arts Council has played a critical role in the regional economy by supporting local creatives through programs like the CREATE PC Local Artist Collective. Scudder reported that the collective has generated more than $1 million in artwork sales for local artists, with 85% of those sales going directly to the artists. This support helps ensure that creative professionals can sustain a living within Summit County.
Incubation and Advocacy
Beyond direct artist support, the organization has acted as an incubator for several prominent local nonprofits, including Park City Film and Mountain Town Music. The council also served as an arts-and-government liaison to help establish the public art boards for both the city and the county. The organization was also instrumental in supporting RAP tax legislation in 2000, 2010, and 2020, which provides essential funding for local arts education, dance, music, visual arts, and theatre.
Future Strategic Planning
The Arts Council's long-term vision is guided by its most recent Arts and Culture Master Plan, which was passed earlier this year. This follows a history of strategic planning, including the 2017 Project ABC (Arts, Beauty and Culture) initiative. Board member Debbie Sebek noted that the organization has faced challenges, including periods where the nonprofit was at risk of folding before new leadership was secured. Looking toward the future, Sebek expressed interest in the development of an arts and culture district at Bonanza to further strengthen the community's creative spaces.
Ongoing Community Impact
The Arts Council continues to manage a diverse portfolio of programming, including the Latino Arts Festival, Art on the Trails, and the Monster Drawing Rally, which is held in partnership with the Kimball Art Center. The organization's mission remains focused on ensuring that arts and culture continue to thrive and serve as a backbone for the Summit County community.
