Transient Guest Tax increase won't boost arts funding next year

Commission recommends new native plant mural for downtown Midco building

Phoenix Awards announce venue change to Abe & Jake's Landing

Inclusive Winter Market relocates downtown

Local arts organizations highlight upcoming community events

Transient Guest Tax increase won't boost arts funding next year

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Despite a recent 6 percent to 8 percent increase in the city's Transient Guest Tax on local hotels, the additional revenue will not result in increased funding for the city's arts grant programs for the upcoming year. City staff liaison Porter Arneill clarified the funding limitations during a brief discussion regarding the upcoming grant season budget, confirming that grant allotments will stick to the same financial schedule as the previous year.

Commission recommends new native plant mural for downtown Midco building

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission unanimously recommended the approval of a new multiphase mural for the Midco building at 644 New Hampshire St. during its Sept. 9 meeting. Designed by local artist Mona Cliff, the privately funded mural will be painted in tandem with the adjacent Midco Prairie currently being developed by the Native Lands Restoration Collaborative. The first phase of the mural will be painted in October on the east- and south-facing walls, featuring springtime native plants and river imagery. Subsequent phases will cover the rest of the building's north-facing wall, showcasing a seasonal progression of summer, fall and winter themes.

Phoenix Awards announce venue change to Abe & Jake's Landing

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The annual Phoenix Awards will relocate to Abe & Jake's Landing this year, moving away from its previous venue at the Lied Center. Commission member Monique Mercurio informed the commission that the new layout will feature the main stage and front dance floor area set up for attendees to sit and watch the ceremony. Nominations for the prestigious local arts awards are currently open, with a submission deadline of Oct. 5.

Inclusive Winter Market relocates downtown

LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Inclusive Winter Market is relocating to Abe & Jake's Landing for its upcoming seasonal event. Commission member Monique Mercurio reported that preparations are underway to transform the new venue into an "intentional winter wonderland." The market, which features local artists and vendors, is scheduled to open on Dec. 12.

Local arts organizations highlight upcoming community events

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Commissioners highlighted a variety of upcoming community arts events during the meeting's closing announcements, including a free short film screening of "The Name for Blue" at the Lawrence Arts Center on Sept. 19. Additionally, the Lawrence Percolator will host a silent art auction and neighborhood block party on Sept. 12 at Danielsan Electric at 900 New Jersey St. The block party will feature live music and a food truck, serving as a benefit for the annual Día de los Muertos celebration hosted by Somos Lawrence in November.

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