Why the arts matter

Investing in the Arts Strengthens Communities

Today, we’re facing a critical moment. Federal funding through the National Endowment for the Arts is being cut and with growing challenges in the nonprofit sector, organizations like ours are feeling the pressure. We’ve weathered hard times before, because people like you show up. Now, more than ever, we need your help to support the arts and keep the creative spirit of Johnson County alive and thriving.

At the Arts Council of Johnson County (ACJC), we see firsthand how the arts bring people together, strengthen our communities, and change lives. In 2024 alone, our programs and events reached more than 60,000 people. This includes students discovering their creativity, veterans finding healing through artistic expression, and neighbors connecting over shared experiences. Whether it’s scholarships for young artists, professional development for local creatives, or community programs tackling loneliness and mental health ACJC is committed to making the arts accessible for all.

If you believe in the power of the arts to build stronger communities, like Ellen does, now is the time to act. Ellen is a retired art educator and longtime volunteer with our Shooting Stars program. She mentors young artists, hosts events, and remains a steadfast friend to the arts because she sees the impact firsthand. “During my long career as an art educator,” she told us, “I saw over and over again the transformative power of visual art for my students… I feel blessed to live in Johnson County, where the importance of the arts is supported.”

Your gift, whether it’s a one-time donation or a monthly commitment, helps ensure that more students, artists, and neighbors can access the life-changing power of the arts. With arts funding facing cuts and uncertainty across the nonprofit sector, your support is needed now more than ever. Let’s meet this moment together.