Dianne Sánchez Shumway is an arts educator, researcher, and visual artist with more than 15 years of experience connecting communities through the arts. Her work bridges education, creativity, and community engagement, amplifying underrepresented narratives and fostering social change.
SDP: Why do you think investing in arts education is essential, especially in rural communities?
DSS: Arts education is essential. It’s not just about learning how to paint or play an instrument—it’s about fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. In rural communities, where access to diverse resources can be limited, the arts provide opportunities that might not otherwise be available. They offer young people a means of self-expression and contribute to overall well-being, especially considering increasing youth mental health concerns in our community.
Recent discussions, including those supported by the Wood River Women’s Foundation, on youth well-being have highlighted the importance of community support in fostering a sense of belonging. The arts are key in creating connections and spaces where individuals feel valued. Research consistently shows that engaging in the arts improves mental health, cognitive development, and academic performance. The arts are not an extra—they are a fundamental part of education and well-being.
SDP: How does the Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMoA) make a difference in arts education? What are some of the benefits of its programs?
DSS: SVMoA is committed to making arts education accessible to everyone. We reach thousands of students each year, providing opportunities to explore creativity and develop their voices. These programs offer an essential space for students to express themselves in ways that traditional classrooms don’t always allow.
Engaging in creative activities helps students develop confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being. Additionally, our programs strengthen community connections, ensuring students feel seen, valued, and supported. This is particularly important in promoting a vibrant, engaged community contributing to the region's overall cultural health.
SDP: How does SVMoA benefit the Wood River Valley community?
DSS: The arts contribute significantly to a community's identity and vitality. In the Wood River Valley, SVMoA has helped create an environment where people want to live and work. A strong arts presence attracts new residents, supports local businesses, and attracts tourism to the area.
Beyond economic impact, the arts foster social unity and cultural vibrancy. When people participate in artistic experiences—whether attending a performance, visiting an exhibition, or taking a workshop—they engage with each other in meaningful ways that strengthen the community's social fabric. The arts help build a shared cultural identity and create a sense of belonging vital to individual and collective well-being.
SDP: How do independent organizations like SVMoA keep their programs running with less public and government funding?
DSS: It requires dedication and resourcefulness. Independent organizations like SVMoA rely on private donors, fundraising events, and collaborations with local schools and businesses. Public funding is limited, especially in rural areas, so nonprofits step in to ensure that people still have access to arts education. Schools often lack the resources to provide comprehensive arts programs, so partnerships with organizations like SVMoA help bridge that gap.
The need for community support is crucial. Investments in arts education are investments in cultural and economic well-being. When a community values and supports the arts, it reaps the benefits of a more engaged, creative, and connected population.
SDP: What role do donors and community members play in keeping arts education alive?
DSS: Their support is essential. Without donors and engaged community members, these programs wouldn’t exist. Fundraising events like the Sun Valley Wine Auction provide critical funding that keeps arts education accessible throughout the year. It’s not just about financial contributions—volunteers, advocates, and participants all play a role in making the arts a vital part of the community. When people invest their time, energy, and resources in the arts, they help build a stronger, more vibrant community. Arts education should be available to everyone, regardless of income or background. By supporting these programs, donors and community members are not just fostering creativity; they are ensuring that the arts continue to enrich lives, strengthen our culture, and contribute to our region's economic and social health. It’s not just about financial contributions—volunteers, advocates, and participants all play a role in making the arts a vital part of the community. When people invest their time, energy, and resources in the arts, they help build a stronger, more vibrant community.
Investing in arts education means investing in creativity, connection, and community well-being—ensuring every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to express themselves, build confidence, and shape a more vibrant, inclusive future.