Kansas Arts Commission Awards $1M for Arts and Culture Projects
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced 108 grant recipients will share $1 million in total funding from the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC). The funding reinforces KAC’s role as a catalyst for economic development and community vitality.
“These grants will support an array of organizations and initiatives that will enrich the appeal of these communities, encourage innovation and drive economic growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Arts shape the unique character of our Kansas communities and through these awards, community leaders and artists can continue investing locally while opening doors to new opportunities and experiences for residents and visitors alike.”
The state’s vibrant arts and culture industry supported nearly 50,000 Kansas jobs and contributed $5.47 billion to the state economy in 2023.
The $1 million awarded this year will be invested in the arts programs of non-profit organizations, local governments and colleges and universities across the state. In return, awarded organizations are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar investment match.
Funding for KAC grants come from appropriations by the Kansas Legislature and federal support from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA).
“Through arts and culture, we have been able to create new experiences and bring flourishing opportunities to every corner of Kansas,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “These grants will continue to boost our state’s quality of life through various art initiatives — such as investing in arts education, community theatres, music festivals, art museums and more — all leaving a positive, lasting impact on our state.”
Grant recipients received funding in one of four categories:
- Arts Everywhere Program (21 awards; $235,873)
- General Operating Support (70 awards; $635,653)
- Public Art & Murals Grants (12 awards; $91,474)
- Visiting Artists Program (five awards; 37,000)
The full list of grant recipients is available here.
To learn more about the arts or the Kansas Arts Commission, visit the webpage here for more information.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC):
The Kansas Arts Commission stewards the state’s investment in the arts by empowering creativity, fostering innovation, and strengthening the economy to enhance the vitality of every Kansas community. The Kansas Arts Commission is a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. To learn more about KAC, click here or contact Ben Stanton at [email protected] or (785) 213-5959.
###