Eight Kansas arts organizations are receiving grants totaling $58,400 from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. The grants come two years after Governor Brownback vetoed all arts funding in the state. The Commission formed in 2012 when the legislature restored a part of that funding following significant backlash.
The grants:
Arkansas City Area Arts Council, Arkansas City
The Arkansas City Area Arts Council received $10,000 to transform two retail units on the ground level of the Burford Commercial Building to provide space for two incubator businesses and make other improvements. The two businesses will be used for Arts Council classes and exhibits, while providing a sustainable revenue stream.
Bartlett Arboretum, Belle Plaine
Bartlett Arboretum received $10,000 to renovate a recently acquired 1879 depot. The renovations will include a performance-workshop retreat, exhibition space, a catering kitchen, a shower and sleeping quarters for resident artists.
Chamber Music at the Barn, Maize
Chamber Music at the Barn will use $5,000 to purchase and install upgrades to its audio-visual system, including new sound equipment and flat screen monitors. Chamber Music at the Barn will also upgrade its ticketing service at the gate.
The Culture House, Olathe
The Culture House will use $10,000 to help develop a 250-seat flexible theater space. This includes theatrical lighting, seating, sound equipment, painting and curtains.
Fisch Haus, Wichita
The organization received $4,400 to purchase and install storage for a manually operated portable wheelchair lift to make the Fisch Haus gallery and performance space more accessible.
Hutchinson Theatre Guild
The Hutchinson Theatre Guild will use a $10,000 grant to support its current renovation, turning a downtown building into a permanent theater. This is being done through extensive remodeling that will create a lobby, theatre, technical booth, dressing rooms and scene shop.
Image Makers, Wamego
Image Makers will use $4,000 to help hire its first full-time photographer and videographer.
Kansas Alliance for the Arts in Education, statewide
The Kansas Alliance for the Arts in Education received $5,000 to assist efforts of national and local experts in arts education. These efforts include training artists and educators in integrating the arts into Common Core curriculum including math, technology, language arts and social studies.
