When you think of artistic towns, which ones come to mind? Historic cities in Italy? Maybe Austin or San Fransisco (or another one of those quirkier cities)? If you didn’t answer with Brookings, South Dakota, you have either never visited or didn’t take time to explore, as this Mount Rushmore State community was just named one of the top cities for art in America:

According to the SMU DataArts' (AKA the National Center for Arts Research at Southern Methodist University in Dallas) Fifth Annual List Of Most Arts-Vibrant Cities In The U.S., Brookings, South Dakota is one of the most artistic cities in the country! 
Wikimedia Commons
Listed with the likes of Santa Fe, Los Angeles, and Jackson (Wyoming), Brookings made the (small cities) list by meeting specific Arts Vibrancy Index criteria, including overall vibrancy, art dollars, overall demand, and government support for the arts.
Brookings Arts Council Facebook
Home to nearly 25,000 residents, Brookings is the 4th largest city in South Dakota and prides itself on not its close-knit community, but colorful art scene as well. 
Brookings Arts Council Facebook

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Headed by the Brookings Arts Council. there is plenty to see and do around the Brookings' art scene, including museums, festivals, and one-of-a-kind murals that make the beautifully-landscaped streets pop even more. 
Brookings Arts Council Facebook
According to SMU, "For small communities, defined as areas with an urban core of 10,000-50,000 people, one city is making its debut on the list: Brookings, SD, at #7," also mentioning several of the returning small towns, like Vineyard Haven, MA, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and the previously mentioned Jackson, WY (pictured). 
Flickr/Ken Lund
To learn more about the SMU DataArts' Fifth Annual List Of Most Arts-Vibrant Cities In The U.S., - or to check out their interactive Arts Vibrancy Map - please visit their website.
Brookings Arts Council Facebook
Do you want to learn even more about the Brookings arts scene and their impressive calendar of events? Be sure to also check out the Brookings Art Council's website.
Brookings Arts Council Facebook

For another kind of SoDak art, be sure to check out The St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church In South Dakota Is An Absolute Work Of Art.

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Brookings, SD 57006, USA