KAC Visiting Artists Grant Program

The Visiting Artists Program administered by the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) aims to foster deep community engagement through the integration of professional artists into local and underserved Kansas communities. The program supports public presentations by visiting artists in any artistic discipline, encouraging projects that creatively embed the arts into broader social, educational, and cultural goals. In particular, this initiative emphasizes exposure to and interaction with visiting artists from outside the local area, defined as at least 60 miles from the host site, ensuring fresh perspectives and broader artistic exchange. Applicants to the program may be public entities or nonprofit organizations based in Kansas, including government units, tribal communities, and educational institutions. All applicants must demonstrate a history of arts and cultural programming and be in good standing with the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Secretary of State. They are also required to have an active UEI (Unique Entity ID) and submit their most recently completed operating budget. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed for organizations without administrative capacity, subject to strict guidelines and supporting documentation. The program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 for non-roster artists, with the potential for an $8,500 maximum for those utilizing the Kansas Touring Roster, which provides a $1,000 credit. All grants must be matched at a minimum of 1:1 using cash or in-kind contributions. For applicants in designated Rural Opportunity Zones—all Kansas counties except ten urban counties—in-kind donations may account for up to 100% of the required match. Eligible expenses include artist fees (including travel and accommodation), project-related materials, certain administrative costs, and allowable marketing expenses. The grant does not support general operating costs, honorariums, capital expenses, or fundraising-related costs. All projects must feature a public component and at least one complementary educational or community engagement activity involving artist interaction, such as workshops or lectures. These events must be held in accessible facilities and prioritize inclusion of underserved groups, including those limited by geography, income, or other barriers. Projects must also demonstrate strategic partnerships with local organizations to broaden impact and participation. Applications for Kansas Touring Roster Visiting Artist grants are accepted on a rolling basis, provided they are submitted no fewer than 60 days before the scheduled event. For all other Visiting Artist applications not involving the Touring Roster, submissions must follow the annual grant cycle, with the FY27 window running from February 23, 2026 to March 23, 2026, covering project activity between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. All submissions are made through the Submittable platform and are evaluated based on project excellence, artistic merit, community impact, and integration. A public panel process involving appointed experts reviews applications before recommendations are finalized by KAC Commissioners and the Kansas Department of Commerce. The Visiting Artists Program is in transition. Beginning with the FY27 cycle, it will be incorporated into the broader “Arts Everywhere” grant framework. This structural change reflects the evolving strategy of the Kansas Arts Commission to support the arts more holistically across communities. Successful applicants will receive funding on a reimbursement basis, contingent on submission of appropriate documentation and compliance with final reporting requirements by July 30, 2027. Recipients must credit KAC and the NEA in all promotional materials for supported activities.

Focus on underserved engagement; ensure eligibility and match ratios are met.