Arts Council Grant Funding
We believe that Arts Save Cities by creating vibrant, inclusive, diverse communities. We also believe that arts are vital to the future of Wichita, as their presence fosters civic pride and participation, stimulates the economy, attracts tourists, revitalizes neighborhoods, and addresses social problems. Each grant is meant to celebrate and further propel the art community, opportunities and presence within our city.
There are two funding opportunities offered by the Arts Council: Artist Grants and Sponsorships.
Arts Council Artist Grant Program
Arts Council artist grants are available for eligible individuals and organizations whose projects and activities have artistic, educational and cultural value that is appropriate to and reflective of our community and that broaden opportunities for public participation in the arts.
The Artist Grant Program allows for funding up to $1000 for Sedgwick County-based artists or organizations. This funding may be used for materials, supplies, production/exhibit costs, costuming, set-up and tear down and other normal and customary direct costs involved in the display or creation of visual or performance art. Living expenses and artist personal transportation are also considered eligible expenses.
Arts Council Sponsorships
The Arts Council considers sponsorship requests from local organizations seeking opportunities that lead to greater awareness, understanding and participation in the arts. We are seeking innovative projects that expand arts programming and experiences in our community and those that embrace diversity.
Review Arts Council Grant Policy Information
Submit filled application via email to artscouncilwichita@gmail.com.
Applications shall be reviewed on a bi-monthly basis. The deadline for submission is on or before 5:00 p.m. on the first day of each bi-monthly review period (February, April, June, August, October, December) Each completed application meeting the respective deadline will be reviewed at the bi-monthly meeting following such deadline. Any application not meeting the deadline will automatically be reviewed during the next bi-monthly review process.
For further assistance or information in preparing an application or funding request, please contact Jesse Koza, Cultural Arts Administrator at jkoza@wichita.gov.
City of Wichita Grants
The City of Wichita partners with The Arts Council’s Cultural Funding Committee to ensure the most qualified recipients are awarded. The City of Wichita provides grant funding, while the Cultural Funding Committee manages the application and selection process. The Arts Council has also been designated as the entity that advises the Wichita City Council on all arts-related matters.
For over a decade, the City of Wichita has granted funding to local arts organizations to recognize, preserve and celebrate Wichita’s rich arts and cultural heritage – a heritage that has a tremendous impact on all residents’ quality of life. For 2022, the City has awarded 26 organizations and individual artists operational support that has totaled more than $2.7 million.
The City offers three different grant opportunities that are awarded through a competitive process:
Cultural Funding Grants provide operational support for qualifying 501(c) (3) non-profit arts and cultural organizations that significantly serve Wichita citizens and have documented history of providing high-quality programming to a large, diverse, audience of at least five years. They must also have documentation supporting their impact on the local economy, as well as growth and development of artistic excellence. The objective of this program is to support the annual operations of exemplary cultural organizations that develop and sustain Wichita’s overall quality of life and economic vitality.
Developing Arts Grants provide technical assistance for capacity building to arts and cultural organizations with annual operational budgets under $50,000 that create, present or produce year-round cultural activities and arts programs in Wichita at the grassroots level, including underserved neighborhoods, communities, or special populations. Support organizations are eligible to apply.
Artist Access Grants provide professional development support for individual artists. Funds may be used for attending advanced workshops, conferences, master classes or seminars, participating in artist residencies, engaging in activities that will propel a professional career, among many others. Grant awards range from $100 to $1,000, depending on need and program specifics.
In addition to the three annual grant opportunities, the City allocates funding to certain arts and cultural organizations which have operations and activities in a facility that is owned and/or operated by the City of Wichita. The organization’s audited annual revenues must be in excess of $50,000 for at least two preceding years. Cultural Institutions are funded by entering into a three-year Operational Partnership Agreements. For more information about The Cultural Institution (CI) Grants Program, please refer to pages 13-14 of the City of Wichita Cultural Plan Addendum.
Organizations which qualify as “Cultural Institutions” in 2022 include the following:
- Arts Council
- Mid-America All-Indian Museum
- Wichita Art Museum
- Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
- Kansas Aviation Museum
- Museum of World Treasures
Applications for the 2023 funding cycle can be found at www.wichita.gov/arts/pages/CFC.aspx.