BRX 2025
May 7 – 9, 2025 – ELY, Nevada
Theme: Cultivation
We are thrilled for the 2025 Basin to Range Exchange in-person in Ely, Nevada – the Gateway to Great Basin National Park. Experience the natural beauty of Wheeler Peak, the rich history of Ely, and meaningful engagement with Nevadans from across the Silver State.
Registration Fee: $75
Justification Letter
Attending the Nevada Basin to Range Exchange (BRX) can help you promote your community’s cultural assets to a statewide network, identifying key collaborations and building the region’s creative economy. The Nevada Arts Council understands attending the BRX event can require employer approvals. The sample justification letter has been created to help you illustrate the benefits of attending the gathering.
LODGING & DINING
Hotel Nevada
501 Aultman Street
Ely, Nevada 89301
Phone: 775-289-6665
The Nevada Arts Council is providing two (2) nights of lodging for the first 40 registered (non-government) applicants at Hotel Nevada. Your application must be approved before you register in order to receive the lodging.
Hotel Nevada will require a credit or debit card for incidentals upon arrival. If you plan to arrive the night before or stay after the event, you will be responsible for your lodging. Please note that Hotel Nevada IS a GAMING hotel – if choose NOT to stay there, you will be responsible for your own lodging.
All Public Service Employees (government, municipality, library, etc.) are INELIGIBLE for all complimentary lodging and must arrange rooms own their own.
All attendees staying at Hotel Nevada will receive TWO complimentary breakfast vouchers from Denny’s, located inside the hotel.
OTHER Lodging OPTIONS
Meals
Dinner will be served buffet style at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and it is catered by Salt & Sucre.
Complimentary coffee, tea and light refreshments will be available throughout the mornings and afternoons at the Bristlecone Convention Center.
You will be responsible for your lunch and dinner on Thursday, May 8 and lunch on Friday, May 9.
*As a reminder, all attendees staying at Hotel Nevada will receive TWO complimentary breakfast vouchers from Denny’s, located in the hotel.
other info
REGISTRATION WELCOME TABLE & TOURS
Registration check-in starts at 12 p.m. (Noon) and ends at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. May 7, 2025. The registration table will be located in the lobby at the Bristlecone Convention Center.
The first walking tour begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. The second walking tour runs from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and also will start in the lobby of the Bristlecone Convention Center
Social Media
We invite and encourage attendees to give a quick post or shout out during the convening. Please share on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn please tag @NVArtsCouncil and #BRX2025
transportation
All attendees will be responsible for their own transportation. There are NO flights to and from Ely. The drive can take anywhere from 4 to 4 ½ hours from either the western, southern or northern regions of Nevada. If this is your first time traveling to Ely, we recommend carpooling.
**If you are traveling from THE NORTHERN REGION and would like to inquire about carpooling, please contact Lauren Frick at lfrick@nevadaculture.org
**If you are traveling from THE SOUTHERN REGION and would like to inquire about carpooling, please contact Michelle Patrick at mpatrick@nevadaculture.org
WHAT TO WEAR/WEATHER
Pack attire that is comfortable, casual and warm (especially for the evening). The weather does fluctuate in May in Ely and wind conditions can be extreme. Be sure to also check weather/road conditions prior to traveling..
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In the case of an emergency, please contact the Nevada Arts Council Administrative staff at 775-687-7117.
If you are experiencing car trouble or a flat tire, please refer to the following tow and tire repair company: https://calnevadatowing.com or 775-482-5903.
Plan Your Trip to Ely
Ely and White Pine County boasts attractions outside of our conference. Feel free to explore and maybe you will find a new favorite spot. To help you plan your visit, we include some resources for you.
2025 Nevada Basin to Range Exchange Schedule (Tentative)
wednesday, may 7
| TIME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Noon–5 p.m. | Registration (Bristlecone Convention Center – Main Lobby) |
| 12:30–2:30 p.m. | Tour 1 (Ely Renaissance Village and more) |
| 2:30–4:30 p.m. | Tour 2 (Downtown Ely Mural Walk) |
| 5:30–6 p.m. | Opening Welcome Opening Remarks – Ely Mayor, Nathan Robertson Opening Address – Kyle Horvath, Director of Tourism, White Pine County Tourism and other guests Welcome from Tony Manfredi, Executive Director, Nevada Arts Council Ceremony Remarks from Michelle Patrick, Community Arts Development Specialist, Nevada Arts Council Staff, Special Guest Introductions and Light Housekeeping |
| 6–7:30 p.m. | Opening Dinner (Catered by Salt & Sucre) |
| 7:30–9 p.m. | Social Networking at the Ely Art Bank Welcome Remarks from Caroline McIntosh, Rural Business Development Advisor, Nevada Small Business Development Center & Virginia Terry, Community Activator, Ely Renaissance Society |
thursday, may 8
| TIME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 7–8 a.m. | Breakfast (Denny’s, on your own, or coffee and light refreshments served at Bristlecone Convention Center) |
| 8–9 a.m. | Light housekeeping, attendee introductions and BRX video |
| 9–10 a.m. | It’s ALL GOOD Nevada! – Updates from the NAC, DTCA, GOED and special guests. |
| 10:15–10:30 a.m. | Artisan Fair Set Up (Group 1) |
| 10:30 a.m.–noon | Artisan Fair (Group 1): Tell YOUR story through the lens of your artistry, organization or small creative business! |
| Noon–1:15 p.m. | Lunch (On Your Own) |
| 1:30 p.m. | BRX Group Photo |
| 1:45–2 p.m. | Artisan Fair Set Up (Group 2) |
| 2–3:30 p.m. | Artisan Fair (Group 2): Tell YOUR story through the lens of your artistry, organization or small creative business! |
| 3:30–4:30 p.m. | Group Art Project |
| 5–7 p.m. | Dinner (On Your Own) |
| 7:30–9:30 p.m. | Evening Activities – sign up required. – BRX Dance Hall Jamboree! (Bristlecone Convention Center) – Bingo (Postal Palace) – Board Games (Sponsored by Nevada Humanities) |
friday, may 9
| TIME | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 7–8 a.m. | Breakfast(Denny’s, on your own, or coffee and light refreshments served at Bristlecone Convention Center) |
| 8-9:15 a.m. | Coffee & Conversations (Round Table Discussions): What’s the one thing you want to do or wish you could do and how would you try and cultivate that? |
| 9:30–10:15 a.m. | Cultivating Strategic Planning: Introduction to the Strategic Planning Assessments with Task Force Members, April Mastroluca and Jen Tune. Learn how the team identified key evaluation markers for organizational improvements in the following areas: Organization, Community in Focus, Programming, Resource Development, Venue & ADA Accessibility and Cultural Competency. The assessments will launch in July 2025 under the Community Arts Development program area. |
| 10:15–10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Cultivating Collaboration through Creative Aging: In 2021, the Nevada Arts Council contracted with Lifetime Arts to implement interactive creative aging programs. The initiative reached all 17 counties throughout Nevada’s libraries, using the agency’s teaching artist roster. In this session, the Arts Learning team from the Nevada Arts Council will lead a panel and facilitate a demonstration from previous program teaching artists. Learn about the benefits of this incredible program, as well as creating potential collaborative opportunities with your new peers! |
| 12–12:30 p.m. | Evaluations & Closing Remarks |
| *12:30–2 p.m. | If you are extending your stay: Lunch on your own |
| *2:00pm – 4:00pm | For attendees extending their stay (all optional) Explore Ely! • Mural Tour (On Your Own) • Re-visit the Art Bank • Visit the Ely Railroad Museum • Shop for Knick-knacks in downtown • Do whatcha like! |
new this year
BRX Artisan Fair: Supporting Artistry and Small Businesses
Join us for our first BRX Artisan Fair, where artists, community organizers, and entrepreneurs come together to share their talents and business acumen. This section of the program is designed to learn about overall statewide resources in Nevada and build meaningful connections.
The Purpose
- Present Their Work: Showcase your artistry or small business ventures and share the story behind your creative journey. Whether you’re an established artist, a budding creative entrepreneur, or a passionate hobbyist, your voice and vision are valuable to our statewide network.
- Learn and Grow: Gain insights and discover potential collaborators, mentors, and partners who can help you bring your projects to life. Exchange ideas, get feedback, and find inspiration from the talents and experiences of fellow attendees.
How it will work
Join us at the Artisan Fair, where attendees will experience a dynamic and interactive environment through a structured two-session format.
- Morning Session
- Showcase Group (1): 25-30 creators will display and demonstrate their work, offering insights into their creative processes and projects.
- Exploration Group (2): The remaining attendees (25-30) can visit each display at their own pace, ask questions, and engage directly with the creators.
- Afternoon Session
- Role Reversal: The groups switch roles. The second set of creators will present their work, while the first group of attendees will have the opportunity to explore the new exhibits, ask questions, and interact with the presenters.
This setup ensures that all participants have ample time to both showcase their creativity and fully engage with the diverse array of projects on display. Whether you’re a creator looking to share your work or an attendee eager to discover new ideas, the fair offers a collaborative and enriching BRX experience.
What to bring?
If you are representing a nonprofit organization, municipality, and/or government agency: The artisan fair is an opportunity for you to tell others about the work you are doing, any opportunities that are open for community members (events, calls for artists, upcoming programming), and to seek out collaborations with community partners and artists. Bring materials that reflect the work you do and will help you cultivate ideas and partnerships.
If you are a small business and/or artist: The artisan fair is an opportunity for you to represent yourself as an artist and/or business. The goal is for you to be able to help further your artistic career and gain more connections. Bring materials that will help you represent yourself as an artist, foster new connections, and create opportunities for collaboration.
Come be a part of a unique experience filled with inspiration, interaction, and innovation!
Become a BRX Sponsor: Support Creativity and Community
By becoming a sponsor for the upcoming 2025 Nevada Basin to Range Exchange, your support will play a crucial role in bringing together artists, entrepreneurs, and community organizers share their talents, ideas, and passions in this unique setting.
Why Sponsor?
- Visibility and Recognition: Gain prominent exposure for your brand through Nevada Arts Council event promotions, marketing materials, and on-site acknowledgments. Align your brand with innovation, creativity, and community engagement.
- Community Impact: Your sponsorship directly supports the growth of local artists and entrepreneurs, helping to nurture talent and inspire new creative ventures. Be a part of the positive change and development within our statewide community.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with influential artists, business leaders, and community members. Build relationships that can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and business opportunities.
For more information, contact Michelle Patrick.
Know before you go
LONeLIEST ROAD HWY 50 ROADTRIP
Carson City, Dayton, Fallon, Austin, Eureka, Ely, Baker, Middlegate Station.
Stay a While
Things to do in the Ely area:
- Public Art Audio Tour
- This audio tour takes you on a journey of Ely and Nevada’s history with 28 public murals and their stories.
- Ely Art Bank
- Converted from a working bank into an art gallery and cultural center in 2013, the Ely Art Bank features a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and photos of Ely, the rest of beautiful White Pine County, and beyond.
- Great Basin National Park
- Located just over an hour east and home to 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines, the worlds oldest trees.
- View more from Visit Ely Nevada
Contact
For more information, please contact the Nevada Arts Council Community Arts Development project specialists, Michelle Patrick or Lauren Frick.