About the Arts Council of Big Sky

The vision and mission statements for the Arts Council of Big Sky (ACBS)
are:

• Vision:  ACBS as Montana's premier artistic and cultural association.


• Mission:  Enrich the lives of residents and visitors to our community by
  providing opportunities to experience all disciplines of the arts.

The Arts Council of Big Sky - formerly called the Big Sky Association for
the Arts - has a long and colorful history since its inception in 1989 as
Big Sky's premier non-profit cultural organization.  At various events
throughout the year, the ACBS provides the Big Sky community with a wide
variety of offerings to please both residents and visitors alike.

In the summer the sounds of Big Sky come alive with Music in the Mountains at
he newly constructed Center Stage at Town Center Park, one of the most beautiful
venues in the state for outdoor music.  We host a free concert every Thursday evening
at the Center Stage during July and August, featuring a variety of national
touring musicians performing in a truly spectacular setting.  The concert
stage is located in the Big Sky Town Center on Ousel Falls Road.

The ACBS hosts the annual Fourth of July Celebration every year at the
Center Stage.  This free event features live music, kids' activities, food
and beverages, and the best fireworks show in southwest Montana.

Each summer the ACBS brings in one major artist for a headliner concert. 
Past performers include Willie Nelson, the Doobie Brothers, Bonnie Raitt,
Randy Travis, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Merle Haggard, America, Maynard
Ferguson, Taj Mahal, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, the Band, Robert Cray, Ralph
Stanley, David Grisman and many, many more!   This is always the highlight
of the summer, and one of the prettiest places for outdoor music in the
West.

2012 is the second summer for the Big Sky Classical Music Festival. This
new free event is designed to bring the country's finest classical musicians
together in Big Sky, as well as showcase local and regional talent. We hope
this will be a signature event for not only Big Sky, but the entire state!

The ACBS also hosts one performance each year that is sponsored by our
Carroll Toepffer Memorial Fund.  In 2010, this was a free concert by the
U.S. Air Force Brass in Blue Band, and in 2011 we welcomed the Air Force
Band of the Northwest to Big Sky.

The winter brings more great events to Big Sky, including the annual
Madrigal Dinner held every December.  This event is the kick-off to the Big
Sky holiday season and features vocalists from Montana State University
performing Olde English songs and traditions, as well as an excellent
holiday dinner.  The Peggy Dicken Schwer Memorial Fund Dinner Concert
series brings spectacular entertainment to various venues throughout the winter,
providing Big Sky with an array of cultural offerings to please the most
discriminating tastes.

Please check our calendar for other events that we may have scheduled
throughout the year.

The ACBS is solely funded by resort tax dollars, foundation grants,
corporate sponsors, individual donations and ticket fees.  The ACBS is
incorporated as a nonprofit organization and is chartered as a 501 c(3)
corporation under the Internal Revenue Code.

For more information or if you wish to make a donation please call
406-995-2742.