TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) has announced that it has awarded $40,580 in grants to 11 organizations including two in our area. The grants were awarded through the Strategic Investment and Arts Integration programs. KCAIC programs are designed to promote partnerships, enhance community and economic development, encourage risk and innovation, maximize statewide impact and highlight the role the arts play in all areas of community life. Grantees are selected by the KCAIC through an application and review process.
The Strategic Investment Program (SIP) recognizes the important role individual artists and creative organizations play in building and sustaining cultural and economic vibrancy in Kansas. By funding a variety of professional and organizational development opportunities that impact cultural programming, these grants support initiatives that use the arts to enhance community vitality, revitalize neighborhoods, generate local business, create and preserve job opportunities and impact tourism.
Included in receiving a grant was the Hutchinson Theatre Guild Inc., for $2,000. This will allow them to enact an energy-efficiency plan designed to redirect reduced operational costs towards increased programming.
Also included is the McPherson Opera House Company, for $5,000. The grant will enhance the quality and variety of its programming and increase energy efficiency by replacing current PAR lighting with theatrical LED lighting, and replacing outdated video equipment to allow for high definition projection.
Two from Wichita were selected including the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, also at $5,000. They will develop a regional marketing strategy to expand audiences. And Music Theatre Wichita will receive $4,525. In accordance with its organizational marketing plan, Music Theatre of Wichita will enhance its promotional and archival video capabilities, allowing for the creation of promotional materials in-house, added services and a re-direction of staff time.