Utah is not unique in that the state government plays a large role in shaping culture and social practice; however, what sets Utah apart is the influence of one specific religion—the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its enormous influence on the identity, philosophy, and arts of the Beehive State.

Although both locally and nationally the culture of the LDS Church and its adherents are often depicted in opposition to those outside of the Church and vice-versa, such a reduction of the discourse is overly simplistic and does a disservice to the depth of the cultural production of Utahns, regardless of their religious or political affiliation. This exhibition seeks to inform this quandary by offering a glimpse of the art and artists that these prominent bodies— the State of Utah and the LDS Church—have recently chosen to add to their permanent collections.