City of Wichita's
Division of Arts & Cultural Services

Staff Directory

The City of Wichita’s steadfast commitment to arts and culture initiatives is carried out through the Division of Arts & Cultural Services. There are four facilities under the management of the Division of Arts & Cultural Services: Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, CityArts, Mid-America All-Indian Center and Old Cowtown Museum.

The director and staff offer support and guidance to three advisory boards including the Design Council, Arts Council, a 501(c)(3), and the Art Advisory Board. In addition, the Director is responsible for the implementation of the Cultural Plan, Tourism plan and management of the public art collections.

In addition to efforts to offer arts programming and services that improve Wichitans’ quality of life, the division actively works to unite and strengthen arts agencies and organizations within the community.

Without the Division of Arts & Cultural Services pulling organizations together and advocating for strengthening the arts as a whole, growth and support for the arts community would not have flourished to the extent it has today. The division works with all arts and cultural organizations despite their size or budget to promote and encourage the arts in Wichita. Growing partnerships is crucial to this process.

Outdoor sculptures. Broadway stage performances. Critically acclaimed art exhibits. Inter-tribal powwows. Irreplaceable Old West architecture. Wichita’s arts and cultural opportunities are as diverse as its population. With its continued support of the arts, The City of Wichita is investing in the lives of every child and adult in the community. The return on that investment has been great, and it will undoubtedly continue for future generations.

History of the Division
The Division of Arts and Cultural Service was created in 2003 and is a part of the City Manager's office. The administrative offices of this department are located in Century II, 225 W. Douglas.

John D’Angelo is the Manager of the Arts and Cultural Division. His primary functions are:

• To develop and implement the Cultural Tourism Plan, which specifically markets to individuals interested in the community’s cultural attractions and events in the growing area of the tourism industry.

• Serve as liaison to museums and attractions in the community.

• Develop a dedicated funding source for re-granting to attractions.

• Develop a year-round series of cultural events/programs with multiple attractions participating.

• Work in partnership with individuals/organizations involved in tourism to promote cultural arts programming.

• Provide management to City-operated facilities, Farm and Art Plaza, and the Old Town Plaza facilities.

• Serve as support along with other staff to the Arts Council, Design Council and Art Advisory Committee as stated in an agreement that each group has with the City.

• Management of the public art collections.

The Director’s focus is the utilization of resources to accomplish the mission set forth with compliance to City Council direction as well as State and Federal regulations.