Wichita’s Arts and Cultural Services Division has announced the opening of applications for art projects, under a program called Arts Thrive.

The grants were made possible by a $75,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.   The city is looking to award three $25,000 grants, although the exact amount may fluctuate depending on the actual project budgets submitted by applicants.

Eligible applicants include individual artists, artist groups or non-profit organizations with a project that aligns with both the division’s mission statement of ensuring everyone has equitable access to cultural arts opportunities and the 2024-2028 Cultural Arts Strategic Plan. Business entities may apply in partnership with a nonprofit or individual artist. Special consideration will be given to projects that are Woman-led, LGBTQ+-led, BIPOC/ALAANA-led, or will serve those communities.

Projects may be of any scope, with the grant funds representing any percentage of the project’s budget. Examples of projects that could be funded include, but are not limited to, public art, exhibitions, special events, performances, concerts, artistic presentations.

The city announced a timeline for the application process:

·                        August 23 – Application period begins

·                        September 4 & 11 – Grant Information Sessions, Please see wichita.gov/arts for more information

·                        October 1 – Applications are due

·                        December 3 – Awardees announced

·                        January 30, 2025 – Funding is available for projects

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an information session about the grant opportunity offered at 1 p.m. (virtual) and 6 p.m. (in person at CityArts, 334 N Mead) on Wednesday, September 4 or Wednesday, September 11.

The grant applications will be reviewed by the city’s Cultural Funding Committee.  More information is available at the web site wichita.submittable.com