2027 Wichita Cultural Arts funding allocations approved

The Forum Theatre Company, Ponder. This., and ICTRep among 17 Wichita art organizations to receive funding from the city of Wichita

2027 Wichita Cultural Arts funding allocations approved
Aaron Profit and Kathryn Page Hauptman survey construction progress at 141 S. Ellis St. in August 2026. The Forum Theatre Company is one of 17 organizations whose cultural arts funding was approved for next year. David Burke reported on their new theater in August for The SHOUT. (Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)

The following announcement is based on a press release from the City of Wichita.

WICHITA — At the October 20 City Council meeting, the Wichita City Council approved FY2027 Operational Grants totaling $143,300 to 17 different arts and culture nonprofit organizations.

Following the direction of the 2024-2028 Cultural Arts Strategic plan, the Cultural Funding Committee, in collaboration with the Division of Arts and Cultural Services, coordinates the application and selection process for annual art funding grants. The applications were evaluated based on alignment with the strategic plan, quality of organization, financial stability, and community impact. Ranging from museums, music, youth development, performing arts, visual arts, and cultural centers, the grant recipients all serve the Wichita community through a wide variety of culturally enriching programs. 

“This funding allocation confirms the City’s longstanding commitment to investing in the arts and culture ecosystem in Wichita and the important role it plays in economic development and enhancing the quality of life and well-being of residents and visitors.” stated Lindsay Benacka, Director of Arts and Cultural Services. “A heartfelt congratulations to all the grant award recipients and thank you to the grant review committee for all contributing to the arts across the community.” 

Learn more about the City’s Cultural Arts Funding at Wichita.gov/Arts.

FY2027 Operational Grant Allocations:

Tier

Organization Name

Award

Partner

ARTBEAT Ponder.This.

$5,000

Partner

Envision Foundation

$12,000

Partner

Forum Theatre Company

$10,000

Partner

Great Plains Transportation Museum

$12,400

Partner

Juniper Arts Academy

$9,200

Partner

Kansas Bluegrass Association

$4,500

Partner

KMUW

$15,000

Partner

McCormick School Museum

$5,000

Partner

Music Youth Partnership

$9,000

Partner

Orpheum Performing Arts Center

$10,000

Partner

PBS Kansas

$15,000

Partner

Storytime Village

$2,700

Partner

Wichita Asian Association

$4,500

Partner

Wichita Chamber Chorale

$2,000

Partner

Wichita Grand Opera

$10,000

Partner

Wichita Jazz Festival

$6,000

Partner

Wichita Repertory Theater (ICTRep)

$11,000


Total Funding

$143,300


Announcements are submissions from arts and cultural organizations and community members. They are published at the discretion of SHOUT editors and may be lightly edited. Send press releases and other announcements to emily@shoutwichita.com.

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