- info@wichitaarts.com
- 303 S Broadway Ave #516 | Wichita, KS 67202
We advance arts education in Wichita through five core pillars that reflect research, local impact, and lived experience. Together, these pillars show how the arts strengthen our economy, build community, foster innovation, expand access, and shape Wichita’s identity as a creative city. Arts education is essential to a thriving, connected, and forward-thinking community.
"Art is Wichita's new front porch. It connects neighbors, generations, and ideas - rebuilding belonging in a time of isolation."
Academic Foundation:
Art’s proven social communication and community cohesion functions (Gardner, Prebles, Sachant)
"Wichita's arts industry generates $184.7M annually, employs nearly 3,000 people, and attracts business, talent, and tourism."
Academic Foundation:
Art’s documented economic influence and societal impact throughout history (Gardner, Prebles, Sachant)
"Art makes people feel seen. It keeps youth engaged, brings healing, and builds resilience. Art is for you - no exceptions."
Academic Foundation:
Art’s documented economic influence and societal impact throughout history (Gardner, Prebles, Sachant)
"Wichita's creative spirit is its competitive edge. When we invest in the arts, we invest in the creative problem-solvers of tomorrow."
Academic Foundation:
Art as catalyst for new ideas and creative problem-solving (Prebles, Gardner, Sachant)
"Wichita has always been bold, distinct, and visionary. Now it's time to claim our place as an Arts City."
Academic Foundation:
Art’s place-making and community identify funcitons (Gardner, Prebles, Sachant)
Why Art Matters
Throughout human history, scholars have recognized the arts as a defining element of what it means to be human. In the chart below, you’ll see how the enduring Purposes of Art align with the Arts Council’s Messaging Pillars, each reflected in Wichita’s vibrant and diverse arts community — including music, visual arts, dance, opera, film, and the dramatic arts.
| Arts Pillar | Community Value | Examples in Wichita | How It's Rooted in the History of Art |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Builds Community | Connection, belonging, trust | Somewhere Fest, City of Wichita Public Art, community mural projects, Harvester Arts, Opera Kansas, Asian Festival, & many more | Art as ritual, cultural symbol, shared space |
| Arts are BIG Business | Jobs, tourism, tax revenue | Nearly 3,000 working artists, Music Theatre Wichita, Wichita Art Museum, Universities, & more | Art patronage, civic investment |
| Art Belongs to Everyone | Access, youth, impact, identity | Envision, Ballet Wichita's Chance to Dance, Arts Partners, City Arts & Culture Division, Public Art & Arts engagement for all, including underserved neighborhoods | Art as identity, protest, voice |
| Innovation Starts with Imagination | Workforce readiness, creativity | Design careers, animation, tech and aviation, plus high-earning arts careers in management, producing, and performance | Art as experiment, vision, disruption |
| Wichita is an Arts City | Civic pride, economic branding | Tallgrass Film Festival, First Friday, Wichita Symphony, Universities, Citywide Public Art, Wichita Grand Opera, Mark Arts, Shocker Studios, The Ulrich Museum, WAM, Theatre & Dance companies | Art as cultural signature, memory |