Arts

The new state-run arts commission announced funding opportunities for Kansas arts agencies Tuesday.

The 7-month-old Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission was created in response to the backlash over Gov. Sam Brownback's veto of arts funding in 2011. The new programs require grant seekers to propose projects that create jobs and grow the Kansas economy.

For more than two decades, Carla Williams has worked as a gospel music executive. She’s helped manage the careers of platinum and Grammy award-winning gospel artists.

A couple of years ago, she started her own company, CW Creative, and recently returned home to Wichita to start a new initiative to help area artists.

KMUW’s Carla Eckels talked with Williams about her expertise in the industry and launching The Gathering Network.

In 2011, Kansas became the first state in history to completely eliminate funding for the arts.

That resulted in the loss of more than $1 million in matching funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and other organizations. And, severely impacted hundreds of Kansas arts organizations.

Leaders in the Wichita arts community Wednesday met with the director of the newly formed Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission to talk about the organization's strategic plan.

The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is the organization formed by the state in the 2012 legislative session in response to the fallout after Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed all arts funding in 2011.