Funding for the arts in Kansas is improving after a rough decade. As of July 1, the start of a new fiscal year, state funding for the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission increased to $500,000, which is a difference of $310,000 from the $190,000 received over the last few years. It actually marks the highest state appropriation since 2013.

 

In 2011, Kansas became the first state without an arts agency when former Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed funding for the state because he wanted private dollars instead of taxpayer money to fund the arts. This led to the loss of more than $1 million in matching regional and federal arts grants.

 

Through a federal-state partnership, 40% of National Endowment for the Arts funding goes to state or regional arts agencies and organizations, but it requires a minimum of $400,000 in state arts funding before providing matching grants to the states. The state commission's total budget is now approximately $1.6 million.

 

Governor Laura Kelly said funding the arts leads to resounding benefits for the economy and community.

 

(Photo courtesy of InterUrban Art House)

 

 

InterUrban Art House received a $15,000 grant for murals in downtown Overland Park from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission.