On the last day, participants joined an opening talk, panel discussion, and closing words that looked toward navigating the road ahead for rural creative places and Activate Rural. Attendees explored ideas and inspirational stories with the following guest speakers:

An opening talk with Benya Kraus, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation President & CEO; Scott Marquardt, Southwest Initiative Foundation President; and Ash Hanson, DoPT Creative Executive Officer, about the road ahead for capital investment and funding.

Sarina Otaibi led a panel discussion on the road ahead with 2023–2025 Learning Lab Cohort member Anne O’Keefe Jackson, Mni Sota Arts Director, and past workshop speaker Betsy Roder, New York Mills Cultural Center Executive Director.

She also announced and shared information about the 2026–2028 Learning Lab opportunity for Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana, as well as Activate Rural services available around the country.

The Summit concluded with closing words from Melissa Wray, Artist and Rural Arts Program Director.

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