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Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission Grant

The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kansas Department of Commerce, has awarded a Short Term Operational Support (SOS) grant of $20,000 to the Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation.

The Short-term Operational Support (SOS) is a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which provides immediate one-time grants to arts non-profit organizations facing financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control as determined by State and Federal governments. The Kansas Department of Commerce recognizes that the nonprofit arts industry is an important sector of the K economy and the National Endowment for the Arts has made funds available to nonprofit arts organizations to help these entities endure the economic hardships caused by the forced closure of their operations due to the spread of COVID-19.

"The Arts Endowment's staff, working remotely, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to swiftly deliver these funds to the states and territories across the United States,” said Mary Anne Carter, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.  “Grants such as this one to The Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation are an important part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ work to ensure people in communities both large and small across the nation have the opportunity to experience the arts.”

“We are deeply thankful to the KCAIC, Kansas Department of Commerce, and the NEA for recognizing the importance of preserving and supporting arts non-profit organizations,” said Vonnie Corsini, executive director of the Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation. “They understand that supporting initiatives that use the arts to enhance community vitality, revitalize neighborhoods, generate local business, create and preserve job opportunities, and impact tourism, have a substantial impact on work and community, and enhance the national reputation of Kansas.”

The Colonial Fox Theatre is a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization, whose mission is to restore the historic Colonial Fox Theatre to be an enduring dynamic cultural center enriching the quality of life and economic vitality of Pittsburg and surrounding communities.

About the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission

The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (CAIC) is focused on the creative industries sector of the Kansas economy. The Commission is dedicated to measuring, promoting, supporting and expanding the creative industries to grow the state's economy and create creative industry-related jobs.

About the National Endowment for the Arts

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.