Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the Kansas Arts Commission do?

• How much does the state currently spend on the arts in Kansas?

• How much federal funding will be lost?

• Is passing funds through the Kansas Historical Society a good option?

• Why should government support the arts?

• What is wrong with transferring the Kansas Arts Commission into a 501(c)(3)?

• Are there any states that have a private, nonprofit as its designated arts agency?

• Can this new organization be staffed by volunteers?

• How does the elimination of the Kansas Arts Commission impact arts organizations, artists, the economy, jobs and kids?

What does the Kansas Arts Commission do?

See the KAC's Mission and History.

How much does the state currently spend on the Kansas Arts Commission?

$797,980

The total KAC budget for the current fiscal year (2011) is $1,660,055 -- $991,256 in grant dollars were distributed to 196 recipients around the state. The KAC also provides professional development programs for organizations and artists.

How much federal funding may be lost?

• $778,200 in direct funding from the National Endowment for the Arts

• $437,767 in indirect grants and services from Mid-America Arts Alliance, the Kansas Arts Commission's regional partner

Is passing funds through the Kansas Historical Society a good option?

Not necessarily. The state currently funds the Kansas Arts Commission with $797,980, matched by $778,200 from the National Endowment for the Arts. The KAC receives these federal funds because:

• It is the designated state agency that promotes and supports the arts• It has engaged in an open, public planning process that was approved by the National Endowment for the Arts

• It has the capacity -- staffing and funds -- to implement the plan and to be accountable for the plan's implementation

• Funds from the National Endowment for the Arts are matched by funds from the state. Currently, the match is close to 1:1. However, if the state provides $200,000, the most the arts agency can receive from the NEA is $200,000 -- but if a submitted plan is approved by the NEA and the state arts has sufficient resources to implement and be accountable for the plan. That means that Kansas will not receive the entire amount of funding for which it is eligible (a total of $778,200 in Fiscal Year 2011).

Why should government support the arts?

An investment in the arts is an investment in private sector business. Cities thrive, grow, attract and retain businesses when the arts are supported. Investment in the arts increases the capacity of Kansas cities to build tourism and broaden their tax base.

Businesses want to locate in communities that support quality of life amenities such as schools, arts programs and libraries. Without those, cities are unable to compete in the marketplace.The Kansas nonprofit arts and cultural sector is a $153.5 million industry, supporting over 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs, generating over $15 million in local and state revenue.*People who attend community arts events also shop, spend money on gasoline, dinner and childcare -- contributing to local economies.

What is wrong with transferring the Kansas Arts Commission into a 501(c)(3)?

According to the Governor's proposal, after Fiscal Year 2011 the Kansas Arts Commission will receive a one-time state general fund allocation of $200,000 to transfer the agency into a nonprofit arts organization. This entity will not be eligible for funds from The National Endowment of the Arts.In addition, this newly-created nonproft will compete for private funds with arts organizations throughout the state and curtail the important services the Kansas Arts Commission currently provides.

Are there any states that have a private, nonprofit as its designated arts agency?

Yes, one: Vermont. The Vermont Arts Council was formed in 1964 as a nonprofit organization. It is funded by the state of Vermont, the National Endowment for the Arts and approximately $140,000 in private funds, which is 8% of the current budget.

Can this new organization be staffed by volunteers?

Not and remain competitive, in both the marketplace and for matching funds. Nonprofit organizations are very complex businesses, requiring a high-level of business and programmatic skills. The most successful nonprofits in terms of meeting their mission and being successful in fundraising have professional staff who are paid the prevailing wage in the marketplace.

How does the elimination of the Kansas Arts Commission impact arts organizations, artists, the economy, jobs and kids?

Arts Organizations

After Fiscal Year 2011 the Kansas Arts Commission will receive a one-time state general fund allocation of $200,000 to transfer the agency into a nonprofit arts organization. This entity will not be eligible for funds from The National Endowment of the Arts, and grants may no longer be available to Kansas organizations. It will also compete with Kansas arts organizations for private fundraising dollars.

Artists

Grants, professional develoment and communication programs offered by the Kansas Arts Commission will no longer be available, hindering their ability to function as small business owners.

Kansas Economy

Cities thrive, grow, attract and retain businesses when the arts are supported. Investment in the arts increases the capacity of Kansas cities to build tourism and broaden their tax base.The nonprofit arts and cultural sector is a $153.5 million industry that generates $15 million in local and state revenue.*People who attend community arts events also shop, spend money on gasoline, dinner and childcare -- contributing to local economies.

Businesses want to locate in communities that support quality of life such as schools, arts programs and libraries. Without those, cities are unable to compete in the marketplace.Kansas JobsIf the Kansas Arts Commission ceases to exist, jobs will be lost. Kansas private nonprofit arts and cultural sector supports over 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs* and the creative arts industry in Kansas employs over 37,000 people.***

Kansas Kids

The new economy requires a workforce that will be highly disciplined, innovative, creative and focused. These are the traits the arts teach.Arts education is proven to keep students in school, increase high school graduation rates and prepare students for college and for the careers of the 21st century economy. The Kansas Arts Commission supports art education programs throughout the state.

* 2007 Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences in the State of Kansas, Americans for the Arts

** 2008 Survey of Public Participation in the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts

*** 2009 Creative Vitality Index, State of Kansas, Western States Arts Federation