MISSION OF THE CULTURAL FUNDING PROGRAM
The City of Wichita will strive to encourage and provide financial support to arts and cultural organizations that demonstrate and document excellence in quality artistic programs, professional artistic and administrative staffing, financial stability and their contribution to the community at large.
HISTORY OF THE CULTURAL FUNDING PROGRAM
In 2004, the Arts Council created an Arts Task Force to research funding support for the arts in Wichita. In response to that study, in May of 2006, the City Council voted to provide funding for arts and culture at a level approximating 1 mill of the City’s general, ad valorem tax levy and directed the Arts Council to develop an application form and process to award the funds.
Subsequently, the Arts Council recommended an 11-member Cultural Funding Committee (seven members to be appointed by the City Council and four to be appointed by the Arts Council). This committee would work with the Division of Arts & Cultural Services staff to develop criteria and guidelines, an application form and an annual grants review and reporting process. The funds are to be used for operations only.
During the first five years of the program, a total of almost $15 million dollars was awarded to approximately 40 arts organizations. In 2008, the City Council approved the continuation of the commitment for five more years.
*Organizations MUST use the income and expense budget forms provided. Departments or divisions applying under a large umbrella organization need to provide budget information for its department only (ex: A theater department that is applying for its department only but operates within a large university). For more specific information, please contact Division of Arts & Cultural Services staff at (316) 303-8663.