Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission Summary
Week of April 9, 2026
Massive World Cup-themed banner proposed for City Hall
World Cup public art locations finalized across downtown
Local artists pivot to custom soccer scarves for World Cup commemoration
Teen arts board to install flora and fauna in downtown parking garage
Commission backs mural proposal for a local synagogue
Local Girl Scout troop proposes endangered species mural behind downtown business
Commission recommends binding 'percent for art' ordinance
Massive World Cup-themed banner proposed for City Hall
LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Cultural Arts Commission unanimously approved a proposal for a 13-by-18-foot photographic banner to be displayed on the side of City Hall ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Local photographer Gary Mark Smith said the image was made abroad and is intended to highlight the global reach of the sport. Staff said the installation plan would aim to limit damage to the building envelope. After the exhibition, Smith said the banner could be donated to a University of Kansas special collections library.
World Cup public art locations finalized across downtown
LAWRENCE, Kan. - Staff reported that locations are being finalized for a 2026 public art exhibition timed to coincide with World Cup visitors. A physical sculpture is expected to be placed at the Lawrence Public Library plaza, staff said, citing anticipated foot traffic from visitors arriving from the Kansas City area. Another interactive piece is planned near Global Cafe on Massachusetts Street, and additional works are expected at multiple downtown businesses and the former visitor-services pop-up space at 812 Massachusetts St.
Local artists pivot to custom soccer scarves for World Cup commemoration
LAWRENCE, Kan. - As part of preparations for the city's 2026 public art programming, local artist Lizzy Arnold and University of Kansas design professor Tim Hossler proposed producing custom, Lawrence-themed soccer scarves rather than a traditional physical sculpture. Staff said the scarves would incorporate local imagery and be produced and distributed using a $3,000 project budget in coordination with Explore Lawrence.
Teen arts board to install flora and fauna in downtown parking garage
LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Cultural Arts Commission unanimously approved a public art installation proposed by Hang12, a teen curatorial board hosted by the Lawrence Arts Center, for the New Hampshire Street parking garage. Student artists painted dozens of jigsawed plywood pieces featuring local flora and fauna to serve as wayfinding markers mounted above parking stalls. The city's parking manager voiced support for the project, saying it aligns with broader efforts to make city parking facilities brighter, safer and more welcoming.
Commission backs mural proposal for a local synagogue
LAWRENCE, Kan. - A proposal for a large mural on the exterior wall of the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation received unanimous support from the Cultural Arts Commission. Designed by local artist Dave Loewenstein, who is donating his labor, the artwork is expected to feature a tree motif tied to the community's identity and diversity. Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation Director Lara Giordano said the congregation spent more than a year developing the concept and sought neighborhood feedback before bringing it forward.
Local Girl Scout troop proposes endangered species mural behind downtown business
LAWRENCE, Kan. - Girl Scout Junior Troop 2856 presented plans for a new mural and monarch butterfly garden to be located in an alley behind Ad Astra Running. As part of a Bronze Award project, the scouts researched endangered animals and partnered with local youth arts nonprofit Van Go, working with arts director Rick Wright to help design the piece. Troop leaders said participants dedicated significant time to research, planning and fundraising for the downtown beautification effort.
Commission recommends binding 'percent for art' ordinance
LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Cultural Arts Commission unanimously recommended that the Lawrence City Commission adopt a binding ordinance to replace the city's "percent for art" policy approach. The proposed ordinance would automatically allocate a portion of eligible Capital Improvement Plan construction budgets to a dedicated public art fund. City staff said the change would protect public art funding and reduce the likelihood it is cut during the standard budget process. Cultural Arts Commissioners said a binding ordinance would improve long-term planning and could establish clearer guidelines for maintenance and deaccessioning in the city's art collection.
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