- info@wichitaarts.com
- 303 S Broadway Ave #516 | Wichita, KS 67202
FORGE is where Wichita’s creative thinkers become confident community leaders. This immersive five-week experience will show you how to bring your creativity, perspective, and ideas into the conversations shaping our city.
FORGE brings together artists, arts administrators, educators, and cultural advocates who want to make a difference beyond their own creative work. If you’re ready to strengthen your voice, expand your influence, and take a more active role in Wichita, this experience was created for you.
Creatives see possibilities others may overlook. They know how to bring ideas to life, connect people, and imagine what a community can become.
FORGE helps creatives bring those strengths into the rooms where Wichita’s future is being shaped. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of local leadership, build valuable relationships, and learn how to turn your perspective into meaningful influence.
Your creativity can do more than inspire. It can help shape a city.
FORGE applications are now closed for 2026. Thank you to everyone who applied! Stay tuned for the next opportunity to join FORGE in 2027.
Five weeks of immersive learning, meaningful connection, and hands-on leadership development.
Week 1: Civic Engagement Academy
How the City of Wichita Works
A two-day immersive experience at Wichita City Hall.
Week 2: How Cities Grow
Economic Development and Becoming a Change Leader
Explore why the arts matter to a city’s growth and development.
Week 3: Tell Your Story
Media, Messaging, and Your Elevator Speech
Learn how to communicate your story and advocate effectively.
Week 4: When Everyone Leads
A Kansas Leadership Center Workshop
Explore leadership as an activity and learn how to approach technical and adaptive challenges with Julia McBride.
Week 5: Inside Local Government
How City and County Decisions Shape the Arts
Learn how to understand local budgets and financial decisions with City Council Member Becky Tuttle and County Commissioner Ryan Baty.
Dates: September 28 & 29, 2026 Time: 12:00pm - 5:30pm Location: Wichita City Hall
Dates: October 6, 13, 20, & 29 2026 Time: 11:30am - 1:10pm Location: Evergy Connect or City Arts
Forge Project
FORGE is for artists, arts administrators, educators, and cultural organization volunteers who are ready to strengthen their voice and take a more active role in Wichita’s future. Whether you create independently or serve within an organization, this experience will help you grow as an advocate, connector, and community leader.
Applications for the inaugural FORGE cohort are due Friday, September 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Only eight participants will be selected for this immersive leadership experience, so interested creatives are encouraged to apply early.
Because each session builds on the last, accepted participants must commit to attending and actively participating in the full program.
A $25 program fee helps cover lunches during the October sessions. Materials and handouts are provided, and most participation costs are generously supported by the K. T. Wiedemann Foundation and the Arts Council.
If the $25 fee would prevent you from participating, please contact Connie Bonfy at executivedirector@wichitaarts.com.
FORGE applications are now closed for 2026. Thank you to everyone who applied! Stay tuned for the next opportunity to join FORGE in 2027.