The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (CAIC) has awarded grants for two projects in our area. The projects chosen for funding will rely upon partnerships between arts, economic development and government organizations in order to promote the arts and economic growth in Kansas.
Grantees were selected by the CAIC through an application and review process. The selection process included a review by an independent panel consisting of arts and economic development professionals.
The grant recipients in our area included Gray’s Studio Restoration in St. John for 75-thousand dollars.
Gray’s Studio Restoration is a non-profit corporation located in rural Stafford county dedicated to restoring the historic Gray’s Studio building which they say will enhance the quality of life in rural Kansas.
The restored building will serve as an incubator for developing artists and provide cultural and arts programming for St. John and surrounding areas. The building has studio space, gallery space and living quarters, which will be provided rent-free to budding artists. In exchange, those artists will assist in hosting art-related educational and enhancement programs for the public.
They will also work with a gallery displaying and selling their art, as well as art from other sources.
Also getting money is the Newton Area Arts Council who will receive 45-thousand dollars.
Newton Area Arts Council member organizations will host a coordinated month-long celebration of the arts in Harvey County, during March and April 2014. The primary goals of the “Spring Into the Arts Festival” are to stimulate the economy of Harvey County and strengthen Harvey County arts organizations through the creation of an annual arts festival that will serve as the centerpiece for a regional cultural branding effort.