KAC Visiting Artists Grant Program

The Kansas Touring Roster Visiting Artists Program is administered by the Kansas Arts Commission, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program is designed to promote access to high-quality arts experiences across the state by supporting organizations that bring professional artists into their communities. Through this initiative, the Commission seeks to expand cultural engagement, particularly in underserved or rural areas, and to strengthen the role of the arts in community development and education. The program aligns with the agency’s statutory authority to foster and measure the impact of arts programming on economic and workforce development throughout Kansas. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide funding for organizations to engage artists listed on the Kansas Touring Roster and to deepen the impact of arts programming through meaningful interaction with audiences. Eligible projects must include at least one public performance or program featuring a roster artist located more than 60 miles from the host community, along with at least one complementary activity such as workshops, lectures, or educational sessions. Projects are expected to integrate arts into broader community or educational contexts, interpret exhibitions or performances, and support local development goals. Funding for the program ranges from 1000 to 10000 dollars per award, with the total available funding determined annually following state budget approval. All funded activities must occur within the designated grant period, which runs from July 1 to June 30 of the applicable fiscal year. Grant funds may be used for allowable project-related expenses such as artist fees, travel, marketing, and administrative costs directly tied to the project. However, certain costs are prohibited, including capital expenditures, food and beverages, and activities not directly related to arts programming. A matching requirement applies to all awards. Applicants must provide at least a 1:1 match using non-state and non-federal funds, although the required match may be reduced by up to 1000 dollars less than the grant request. Matching contributions may include both cash and in-kind support. Organizations located in smaller communities, defined as counties with populations of 50000 or less or municipalities of 5000 or less, may fulfill up to 100 percent of their match through in-kind contributions. Population eligibility thresholds are determined using official Kansas Division of the Budget data. Eligible applicants include Kansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of local government such as schools and libraries, and federally recognized tribal governments. Applicants must meet several additional requirements, including maintaining good standing with the state, having at least one year of arts programming experience, and providing financial documentation such as operating budgets and tax clearance certificates. Projects involving academic credit for student participants are not eligible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, but must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the planned activity. Submission occurs through the Kansas Department of Commerce online grants portal or the Submittable platform, depending on the project timeline. The application process requires completion of budget forms, submission of required attachments, and inclusion of support materials. Applications are reviewed by staff for eligibility and compliance before final approval by Department of Commerce leadership, with awards distributed in order of application receipt until funds are exhausted. Applicants are notified of decisions via email, and funded organizations must complete reporting and compliance requirements following project completion.

Ensure project includes both a public program and a complementary activity; verify match requirements and allowable expenses; submit at least 60 days in advance; confirm organizational eligibility and documentation completeness