Due to the generous donations of current and former Divide County residents, the Meadowlark Arts Council has exceeded its phase one goal to save the Dakota Theatre. Joraanstadd has agreed to gift the building and most of its contents to the arts council in exchange for back taxes and previous roof repairs. The Dakota Theatre has been a source of entertainment for generations of local movie lovers. With your help, the entertainment offered at the theater can be expanded to include other forms of artistic expression from live performances to travelling art exhibits. Your donation is an investment in the well-being of the community at large, as well as an investment in your own enjoyment of the arts for years to come.
Help is needed now . . .
The Meadowlark Arts Council has a limited time in which to make the move to preserve the Dakota Theatre in preparation for its development as the center for arts and entertainment in Divide County. Without immediate repairs to the roof, damage to the theater's interior will soon force the facility to close and could ultimately make the project too costly to undertake. The community must act now, before damage escalates, or the opportunity will be lost. We urge donations from families whose children need a safe entertainment destination, couples of all ages who enjoy a night out at the show, and past residents who want to ensure a trip to the hometown theater will still be possible on their next visit. The council will also pursue the purchase of the former MDU building adjacent to the theater for development as an art gallery and studio for community use.