Governor Kelly Announces 12 Rural Communities and Organizations to Receive Funding for
Mural and Public Art Projects
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 12 communities and organizations will receive a combined $78,800 to allow 20 new murals and public art projects to revive public spaces and engage residents and visitors.
“Murals and public art installations welcome people to our rural communities while developing community pride and showcasing the rich history of our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Investments in this program allow art to flourish and enhance public spaces for visitors and communities alike.”
The Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural Public Art grant program awardees are in communities across the state with a population of less than 15,000. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions.
Each project requires a one-to-one match from the community, with the smallest of communities allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several projects plan to start in the next few weeks.
“Working with local partners to develop compelling places across the state is one of the initiatives detailed in the Kansas Framework for Growth – our state’s economic development strategic plan,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kelly-Toland administration is keenly focused on strengthening community assets that help keep younger Kansans interested in staying here. Every completed Rural Mural is a testament to that commitment.”
Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded 77 murals in 38 communities.
Awardees for FY 2025 include:
| Organization | Location | Amount |
| Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce | Baxter Springs | $7,500 |
| Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce | Colby | $7,500 |
| Greater Salina Community Foundation | Damar, Palco | $7,500 (2 murals) |
| Downs Community Connection | Downs | $7,500 |
| City of Ellis | Ellis | $7,500 |
| Fowler Arts Council | Fowler | $7,500 (3 murals) |
| Hardtner Community Foundation | Hardtner | $7,000 (4 murals) |
| Inman’s Museum Association | Inman | $7,500 |
| Pawnee Co. Economic Development Commission | Larned | $7,500 (3 murals) |
| City of LeRoy | LeRoy | $3,000 |
| Wabaunsee County Historical Society | McFarland | $7,500 |
| Melvern Community P.R.I.D.E. | Melvern | $1,300 |
“This round of Rural Murals and Public Art applications included so many communities that have not ever received funding from Commerce before,” Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon said. “We are excited to see so many empowered communities that are excited to welcome visitors and residents to witness these beautiful and creative visual expressions of community identity and history.”
For more information about Rural Mural and Public Art grants, click here.
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