The FY2025 Community Arts Grants (CAG) program is a funding initiative overseen by the Cultural Arts Commission of Lawrence, Kansas, to support arts-related projects that align with the City’s Strategic Plan and Citywide Cultural Plan. Funded through transient guest tax revenue, the program emphasizes the “Unmistakable Identity” outcome area and commitment areas such as community engagement, equity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their projects contribute to these goals and advance one or more key progress indicators. The initiative also seeks to balance local culture, celebrate community diversity, and foster lifelong learning.
The main application period for the Community Arts Grants runs from January 2 to February 3, 2025. For applicants who would like preliminary feedback, the program offers an optional Pre-Application Review. Draft applications submitted by January 15, 2025, will be reviewed by staff for basic requirements, with feedback returned by January 22, 2025, prior to the final submission deadline. Applicants can download the pre-application fillable PDF form from the grant program’s website. While optional, the review process can help applicants refine their submissions to meet program expectations.
In addition to the main grant program, the Cultural Arts Commission offers Mini Grants to support artists with up to $500 for start-up costs related to equipment for their art practice. The Mini Grant application period begins on January 27, 2025, and closes on March 7, 2025, at 11:00 PM. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and modifications are not allowed after the submission deadline. Mini Grant applicants must use a different online form from the main CAG program, and the review schedule for Mini Grants follows its own timeline.
The goals of the Community Arts Grants program align closely with the Citywide Cultural Plan, which includes objectives such as balancing local cultural initiatives, embracing diversity, building shared community spaces, promoting a creative brand for the city, and fostering lifelong learning. Applications will be evaluated on how effectively projects address these priorities and align with the strategic outcomes identified by the City. The program aims to enrich the cultural fabric of Lawrence and provide meaningful engagement opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
For more information, applicants are encouraged to contact Porter Arneill, at parneill@lawrenceks.org or (785) 832-3449. Guidelines for the program will be available beginning December 30, 2024, and prospective applicants can begin preparing their proposals for submission during the open application periods. Both the main and Mini Grant programs offer valuable resources to support and enhance the arts in the Lawrence community.
