ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
There is a desire for more public art in Kansas communities and recently, the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC) announced a couple great opportunities.
Wednesday, KDOC announced the launch of a new round of Rural Mural funding to support the creation of projects in rural Kansas communities. The total amount of funding available is $125,000.
“Public art is a powerful tool for rural revitalization and bringing vitality and prosperity to all regions of our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland noted in a release from the State of Kansas release. “The Kelly-Toland administration fully supports investments that improve the attractiveness of our smaller communities, engage residents and visitors alike, and help stimulate the local economy.”
The funding initiative from the Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) aims to activate vacant and underused spaces through the arts – to help bring together community members around their local history and culture, Wednesday’s release continued.
“In 2024, there were 12 successful mural projects in small communities across Kansas,” Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon noted in Wednesday’s State of Kansas release. “This new round of funding is going to do more than beautify our towns. It will bring the community together to create something that can be admired and remembered for decades to come.”
ORP will open this round of Rural Murals for new applicants. Applications will be open through May 16. The maximum grant opportunity is $7,500 and requires a 100% match, with at least 25 percent in cash and up to 75 percent in-kind contributions.
To qualify for funding, applicants must be from communities with populations of 15,000 residents or less. Murals can beautify community gathering spaces, elevate tourist attractions, and offer a welcoming message for visitors. The proposed projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025.
For more details and to apply, visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/orp/kansas-rural-mural/.
The Kansas Department of Commerce is dedicated to providing financial support, technical assistance and guidance to help communities develop mural and public art projects. There is an online resource guide available at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/kcaic/kansas-mural-making/ to help communities plan and execute their arts-based initiatives that enhance local growth and foster prosperity.
Thursday then saw KDOC announce the launch of an innovative program to support the enhancements of often overlooked public infrastructure to help drive economic growth and community vitality. The Transformative Art for Public Spaces (TAPS) grant will invest in projects that leverage creative placemaking to attract visitors, encourage local investment, and support small businesses. A total of $150,000 will be available, according to a release from the State of Kansas
“The TAPS grant program is about more than making every-day objects look more presentable,” Toland noted in Thursday’s Stateof Kansas release. “Having attractive public gathering spots encourages more people to utilize them, stay for longer periods of time, and spend more money at local establishments. These small investments will have long-term economic benefits for communities across the state.”
The TAPS grant offers awardees amounts of $1,500 to $2,000 per project to cover materials, supplies and artist compensation. Interested applicants are encouraged to collaborate with local artists, students and community members by offering them opportunities to contribute creatively to their communities. Repurposing these mundane or unsightly objects will give the community assets that reflect local pride and long-term economic resilience.
Approved and funded fixtures and overlooked structures include:
• Electrical boxes
• Fire hydrants
• Trashcans
• Water utilities
• Other infrastructures
Applications will be accepted through Dec. 5 or until funds are depleted. Priority will be given to projects in communities that have not received funding from Commerce during the previous three years.
“The TAPS Grant is an exciting way to celebrate community identity while offering artists and residents the chance to make a lasting impact on their surroundings,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez noted in Thursday’s State of Kansas release. “We can’t wait to see how these projects inspire collaboration and connections among our Kansas communities and residents.”
Organizations may submit proposals for multiple projects within a single application, provided each project meets the program's guidelines. A maximum of five projects are allowed per applicant. Projects that will not be supported include:
• Signs promoting businesses
• Murals or large-scale wall installations
• Live performances or temporary art
• Large undertakings requiring structural modifications
Applicants must work with their local municipality or property owner and be permitted to create art on the proposed structure. Documentation of this permission will be required for the application.
For more details, application forms, project examples and resources, visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/community-development/taps/
Questions about the TAPS Grant can be directed to Quality Places Manager Sara Bloom at
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
