ICC is excited to announce the collaborative efforts between the Theatre and the Rural Outreach Education Department to launch the Shakespeare to Schools initiative. This program aims to bring the magic of Shakespearean performances directly to high schools in Southeast Kansas, particularly targeting those schools that lack the resources to travel for such experiences.
Thanks to a generous $10,000 grant from the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC), ICC will be able to cover licensing fees and compensate performers, ensuring that students in rural and underserved areas can enjoy and benefit from live theater. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance arts education and cultural access across the state.
"We believe that exposure to the arts is a crucial component of a well-rounded education," said Tamara Blaes, Director of Rural Outreach Education. "By bringing these performances to schools that may not have the opportunity to travel, we are not only making the arts accessible but also fostering a deeper appreciation for literature and live performance among students."
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $1,295,450 has been awarded to 108 recipients in the latest round of KAC grant funding, supporting a wide range of creative projects throughout Kansas. These grants span various counties, from rural areas like Graham, Sheridan, and Chase to urban centers including Johnson, Sedgwick, and Shawnee counties.
"It is important for the state to engage, connect and support the abundant creativity that can be found throughout Kansas," said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. "The Kelly-Toland Administration knows strategic investments in the arts enrich our communities, strengthen our economy, and enhance our quality of life — all which make our state the best in the nation to live, work and play."
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported in 2022 that arts and cultural production accounted for 2.2% of the Kansas economy, contributing more than 41,000 jobs. Through initiatives like Shakespeare to Schools, ICC and the Kansas Arts Commission aim to further this impact by fostering a love for the arts among students and enriching the cultural fabric of Kansas.