ArtsConnect

Mission: ArtsConnect creates opportunities and offers resources for artists, supports access to all arts for all people, and advocates for art as essential to our community and culture in Topeka and Shawnee County.

Vision: ArtsConnect will offer programs and lead advocacy efforts that ensure a vibrant future for Topeka & Shawnee County through the arts and cultural stewardship.

Core Values: Passion | Leadership | Collaboration | Integrity

ArtsConnect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was started by the Topeka Community Foundation in 2006. We believe that when artists have access to the resources they need, they are capable of leading transformative community change - solving difficult challenges and ensuring a vibrant future for our whole community.

ArtsConnect is focused on supporting the stewardship of cultural resources and ensuring that individual artists have access to the opportunities needed to foster their artistic practices and connections to others in the community.

ArtsConnect is a nonprofit organization working every day to create opportunities and offer resources for artists, support access to all arts for all people, and advocate for art as an essential part of our community and culture here in Topeka and Shawnee County. Through this work, ArtsConnect will ensure a vibrant future for Topeka and Shawnee County through the arts and cultural stewardship.

As the only umbrella arts organization in Topeka & Shawnee County, we are focused on programs and initiatives that build broad support for the arts and offer resources and support for individuals engaged in the production of art across all disciplines. ArtsConnect has a gallery and event space in NOTO for the display of world-class art exhibitions, film screenings, musical performances and events.

Currently, our main programs include: First Friday Artwalk, Gallery Exhibitions, Topeka Mural Project, TopArts Grant Program, Arty Awards, Resource Partners Initiative, Artist INC Topeka, Arty Awards, the Topeka Public Art Map & Shopping Guide, and the Topeka Arts Event Calendar.

In 2022, we published the Topeka Arts & Culture Master Plan with support from a broad steering committee, offering recommendations that will guide the work of arts organizations and artists in alignment with established community priorities and work plans, offering a pathway forward for the arts & culture sector in Topeka & Shawnee County

Strategic Priorities:

• Support individual artists and the creative industry through advocacy and programming.
• Connect audiences and artists in all disciplines.
• Engage in stewardship of cultural resources.
• Ensure a healthy organization.