Billings Events

The Billings Cultural Partners (BCP) was formed in 1997 through the grassroots efforts of local residents who wanted to express unique aspects of local heritage and culture in ways that recognize their economic and cultural importance to Billings. Since then, BCP has helped to define Billings’ unique character and appeal. Comprised of 25 nonprofit arts, historical organizations, and local government representatives, BCP serves as a collaborative vehicle to address cooperation and funding opportunities, thus improving access to arts and culture, supporting art educational opportunities, entertainment, strengthening the existing cultural institutions and enhancing the city.

Billings Cultural Partners enrich community life in countless ways, supporting artistic and cultural experiences in Billings that entertain, educate, inspire, and provoke. BCP provides outlets for creative expression and volunteer effort, strengthening our cultural society. By enhancing Billings’ image and quality of life, BCP contributes to the area's long-run economic development and appeal as places to live, work, and invest.

BCP Board of Directors represents Billings’ interest and involvement in arts and culture. The board strives to forge bold partnerships that energize the artistic life of Billings - making art, in all its variations, an integral part of our everyday experience and a vivid expression of our diversity, our depth and our dreams. In addition, the Partners work to enhance the cultural community by providing leadership, advocacy and support for the arts.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Billings Cultural Partners is to strengthen each of the Billings cultural partner organizations, to enhance our effectiveness through the power of collaboration, and to contribute to the quality of life in Billings.

Our vision is that Billings, Montana, will be the cultural center of the northern high plains region of the United States by 2012.

Our goal is to increase to one million-plus the annual attendance at the cultural and historic institutions in Billings by 2012.

Billings Cultural Partners Programs and Activities

Economic Impact Study

In 1998, the Partners commissioned an economic impact study with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The results confirm that culture generates commerce. This study, (based upon 1998 data), illustrates the importance and the potential of cultural activity in our city.

Study Results (1998) Data

More than 550,200 people attended events at the 20 organizations surveyed
Of this number, more than 88,000 people came from outside the immediate area
Audiences spent $11.49 million - $10.8 million locally
Out-of-town attendees spent one and a half times what local attendees spent per event
Local cultural and historic activity supported 400 jobs, almost 300 full-time
Cultural and historic organizations support the community by paying taxes, provide quality educational opportunities for all ages, enrich the quality of life for residents, draws potential relocations and provides work for skilled technical employees
Cultural and historic institutions support artists!

Legislation Affecting the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts states that government support for the arts raises broad questions about the appropriate role of government in any area of life, including the arts different types of support that governments can provide to the arts the conditions under which artistic creativity is best nurtured Billings Cultural Partners recognizes the importance of paying attention to proposed legislation that could impact the arts. Partners work in a variety of ways to illustrate the importance of the arts to local, state and national lawmakers, including direct communication with legislators, invitations to lawmakers to cultural and art events in Billings, and active participation in the election process.

Golden WestFest

In 2007, the Billings Cultural Partners launched an annual event designed to celebrate western influence on arts and culture and to showcase Billings’ cultural community and rich western heritage. Full Press Release