TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 12 communities and organizations will receive a combined $78,800 to allow 20 new murals and public art projects to revive public spaces and engage residents and visitors.
One area Hutch Post location has been selected to receive funding. Inman's Museum Association will receive $7,500.
“Murals and public art installations welcome people to our rural communities while developing community pride and showcasing the rich history of our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Investments in this program allow art to flourish and enhance public spaces for visitors and communities alike.”
The Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural Public Art grant program awardees are in communities across the state with a population of less than 15,000. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions.
Each project requires a one-to-one match from the community, with the smallest of communities allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several projects plan to start in the next few weeks.
“Working with local partners to develop compelling places across the state is one of the initiatives detailed in the Kansas Framework for Growth – our state’s economic development strategic plan,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kelly-Toland administration is keenly focused on strengthening community assets that help keep younger Kansans interested in staying here. Every completed Rural Mural is a testament to that commitment.”
Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity added her thoughts.
“This round of Rural Murals and Public Art applications included so many communities that have not ever received funding from Commerce before,” Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon said. “We are excited to see so many empowered communities that are excited to welcome visitors and residents to witness these beautiful and creative visual expressions of community identity and history.”
Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded 77 murals in 38 communities.
Awardees FY 2025:
Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce
Baxter Springs
$7,500
Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce
Colby
$7,500
Greater Salina Community Foundation
Damar, Palco
$7,500
Downs Community Connection
Downs
$7,500
City of Ellis
Ellis
$7,500
Fowler Arts Council
Fowler
$7,500 (3 mururals)
Hardtner Community Foundation
Hardtner
$7,000 (4 murals)
Inman's Museum Association
Inman
$7,500
Pawnee Co. Economic Development Commission
Larned
$7,500 (3 murals)
City of LeRoy
Le Roy
$3,000
Wabaunsee County Historical Society
McFarland
$7,500
Melvern Community P.R.I.D.E
Melvern
$1,300
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