KAC Visiting Artists Grant Program 2025-2026

The Visiting Artists Program provides funding to eligible organizations in Kansas to enhance arts programming and increase accessibility for local and underserved audiences. The program encourages interaction with professional visiting artists across various disciplines, not limited to performing arts. Projects should aim to integrate an arts discipline into non-arts content areas, support community development initiatives, or help interpret exhibitions, performances, or presentations. The program seeks to foster engagement between artists and communities, ensuring the arts reach diverse populations across Kansas. This grant supports presenters who wish to book artists in any artistic discipline. The Kansas Touring Roster provides a list of pre-approved artists available for engagement. Applicants interested in bringing these artists to their community can use the Kansas Touring Roster to access additional resources and apply for funding. The program aims to deepen the cultural experience for communities by facilitating meaningful connections between artists and audiences. Grants range from $1,000 to $7,500 per project. Additionally, Kansas Touring Roster requests can receive a $1,000 credit to assist with matching requirements or covering artist fees within their application budget. The Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) requires all grants to be matched at a minimum of 1:1 using a combination of cash and in-kind expenses. Rural Opportunity Zone applicants may use non-monetary in-kind donations to fulfill up to 100% of the required matching funds. Eligible applicants include established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of local government (such as schools, universities, libraries, and arts agencies), and federally recognized tribal communities. The funding is intended to support projects that align with the program’s objectives of expanding arts engagement and fostering cultural enrichment. Applications for Kansas Touring Roster Visiting Artist grants are accepted on a rolling basis, but proposals must be submitted at least 60 days before the planned event. Due to high demand for Kansas Touring Roster Visiting Artist funding in 2024-2025, funding is limited through June 2025. Early submission is encouraged for Spring 2025 projects. Grants for presenting artists who are not on the Touring Roster follow an annual application cycle from January 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025. For more information about eligibility, application guidelines, and details on the Kansas Touring Roster, applicants can visit the Kansas Arts Commission website. Updates on grant application openings and deadlines can also be received by signing up for email notifications.