The Arts Council

Have you seen our new resident? Old Cowtown Museum is thrilled to finally be able to introduce you to our Keeper of the Plains, embellished by artist Ellamonique Baccus. Come and see it the next time you visit, along the pathway near the Visitor’s Center.

The Clayton Staples Gallery is proud to present "A World Away."

🗓: Monday, August 26th – Friday, October 4th
📍: McKnight Art Center, Room 205
⏰: M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The collaboration between Jessica "JB" Burke and Kariann Fuqua forms an artistic "ecotone"—a transitional space where distinct yet intertwined narratives of place converge. Despite being unknowingly raised in the same city in Kansas, it wasn’t until later in life that their paths crossed. Their work reflects a shared fascination with the concept of home as a construct. Both use drawing to explore imaginative world-building that have been shaped by reading, compulsive collecting, ordering, and arrangement.

Burke’s work draws from children’s literature, crafting fictional realms that offer a form of escape. These worlds, rich in iconography, invite viewers to explore, though they remain perpetually out of reach. In contrast, Fuqua’s obsessive mark-making represents environmental systems in perpetual flux, expressing a longing for a grounded connection to place. Her drawings, marked by their labor-intensive process, capture the fragility of ecosystems and the elusive nature of memory.

Together, Burke and Fuqua create a dialogue that navigates the complexities and implications of "place," using their art to explore and seek meaning within the shifting landscapes of our shared experiences.

Be on the lookout for the Visiting Artists Talk: Jessica “JB” Burke & Kariann Fuqua, facilitated by Robert Bubp, in conjunction with "A World Away."

🗓: Thursday, September 12th
📍: McKnight Art Center, Room 210
⏰: Panel: 2:30 - 4 p.m. / Reception: 4 - 5:30 p.m.

This project has been supported with a grant from The Arts Council.

What is ‘percent for art?’ About the public art funding program that Wichita arts advocates don’t want to lose Local arts leaders sounded the alarm after comments from Mayor Lily Wu during last Tuesday’s Wichita City Council meeting. The Council will vote to adopt the proposed 2025 city budget tomorrow.

It's that time again! In preparation for the 54th Annual Art Awards, we are asking for Wichita's arts community to nominate the best and brightest artists, arts organizations and arts advocates!

The Art Awards exist to focus attention on the importance of the arts as they relate to the quality of life in Wichita/Sedgwick County and honor those who have made major creative achievements or significant contributions to cultural growth or development. Let us know who you think needs to be celebrated by their peers. Submit your nominations at https://bit.ly/artawardsnomination by September 10!

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, November 7th at the 54th Annual Art Awards dinner, to be held at the The Ninth Floor Club and Venue, the space formerly known as the Petroleum Club.

Come See Where the Buffalo Roam Meet the buffalo herd on this working ranch. Tour the ranch house filled with amazing historical artifacts, antiques, period furniture, interesting objects and art. Take in the amazing views of the Flinthills. Dine on the buffalo burger buffet with all the fixings. There will be an outdoor screening...

2024 Kansas Arts Councils Symposium – Salina Arts & Humanities The Kansas Arts Councils Symposium brings together emerging and established arts councils, organizations, and artists from around Kansas to facilitate professional development, partnership, and celebration of the arts in our communities.

🎶 Culture Night 2024 🎶

We are delighted to announce we will be celebrating Culture Night in The Mall Theatre Tuam on September 20th.

FUSE Trad is a celebration of Irish culture through music, song and dance.

This is a free event open to audience members of all ages. Doors open at 7pm.

The night will feature performances by local musicians and singers, Atlantic Irish Dance Academy, Tuam Comhaltas - CCE Tuaim, our Half Speed Trad group and many more! If you or someone you know might be interested in performing be sure to get in touch.

Don’t miss out 🎶

Thank you to the Galway County Arts Office and The Arts Council for their continued support.

Culture Night is brought to you by the Arts Council in partnership with Galway County Council. This event is funded through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Local Live Performance Scheme.

Galway County Culture Night

Road trip?

Hey, you. Got a few hours next Saturday to help build an Arts Dynasty in Leavenworth?

Oh yea, baby! Let's get you signed up to volunteer at LV Arts at the Park. Good things happen in our community when good people get together. Let's do this!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EADA622A3FFC16-50346046-lvarts #/

"A 2022 arts and economic prosperity study found that Wichita’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generates $184.7 million annually and supports 2,929 full-time equivalent jobs."

The 2% for Art Ordinance can be found here in PDF form.
https://www.wichita.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13599/2019-03-26-Wichita-Public-Art-Ordinance-Draft-PDF

Is Wichita’s public arts funding in peril? Wu says no after expressing interest in cuts Council members Brandon Johnson and Becky Tuttle denounced the idea of backtracking on the city’s commitment to funding public arts after Wu entertained the idea at a budget hearing.

"Out of a dozen urban amenities studied, local arts and cultural amenities stood out for their potential to boost resident satisfaction, civic engagement and ties to the community. However, longstanding racial and economic disparities present significant barriers to equitable arts access."

Landmark study reveals value of the arts in communities nationwide Urban Institute report commissioned by Knight Foundation finds that local arts and cultural activities drive community connection, but racial inequities…

CityArts is looking for an Education Coordinator to help spearhead a wide variety of educational art programs, field trips, and camps. This is a full-time position through the City of Wichita- Government, with a competitive salary and benefits package.

If you love art and sharing your love of art, please take a look at the job listing at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wichita/jobs/3519458/cityarts-education-coordinator and apply by August 23, 2024!

ART JOB ALERT!

Are you an artist or art educator interested in helping Wichitans of all ages and skill levels make art? CityArts is looking for an Education Coordinator to help coordinate and lead a wide variety of educational art programs, field trips, and camps. This is a full-time position, with a competitive benefits package.

Check out the job description and application via the following link:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wichita

A Wichita woman began studying Indian classical dance to keep her daughter company. Then she opened a school. Manasi Kulkarni’s Kalakrit School of Art is part of a growing Indian classical dance community in Wichita. Two different performances will take place this weekend.

We had such a great time at our August ARTS MIXR at the Orpheum this week! Save the date for this special event next month to learn more about the historic Wichita Orpheum Theatre and the latest news on their renovation plans.

🥂JUST ANNOUNCED🥂 Get ready for our 102nd Anniversary Edition of Thirst & Broadway on Wednesday, September 4!

Join us for an elevated happy hour tour of the theatre and learn about the theatre’s rich history and architecture. We will also have an exciting announcement to share, plus entertainment from local artists Craig Owens and the Bodo Ensemble, Regina Klenjoski Dance Company, Michael Kline Imagery, and more.

Register Online ⫸ bit.ly/HappyHour-Sept4

What are YOU doing on August 18th? If the answer isn't coming to check out the comedy stylings of Clay Foley WHILE ALSO helping Beauties and Beasts raise money to help our furry friends, having some fantastic pizza and beer with us, you're wrong! 😉🐾🍻🍕

https://www.facebook.com/share/EFYWvhEHunnspr7f/

Have you lassoed your tickets yet for the Night at Cowboy Camp FUNdraiser?

This Saturday from 5:30-8:30pm, the Historic Wichita Cowtown Inc. - Board of Trustees will take you on a journey back to the late 1800s where kids will learn what it takes to be a Cowboy or Cowgirl! Take part in cowboy-themed games and activities, learn some new skills like roping and branding, then gather around the campfire with a sarsaparilla for a delicious dinner, singing, and other surprises!

This new fundraiser is recommended for kids but all ages are welcome. All proceeds help HWCI in their support of Old Cowtown's volunteer and educational programs.

Registration is required for this special event, so make sure to sign up today!
https://app.aplos.com/aws/events/night_at_cowboy_camp

We are looking for storytellers and artists in these specific areas to join our campaign for justice in our criminal legal system. Click the link in bio to sign up as a storyteller or shoot us a DM if you are interested!