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The Arts Council of Johnson County /  smART Blog
May 17, 2022 In Advocacy, Art, Arts & economic development, Engaging Community

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Study in Johnson County

CHANGE THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE ARTS The arts bring us inspiration and joy, and make our community a beautiful place to live and work. But the arts do so much more. We are excited to partner with Americans for the Arts to announce the launch of Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the sixth national study of the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. While the arts have the potential to impact many aspects of our community, the truth is they also have a power all on their own. The arts are an open invitation to engage in our history,

Photo with 2026 Shooting Stars, recognition, scholarship and awards
February 19, 2026 In Literary scene, Performing arts, Shooting Stars, Visual Arts

2026 Shooting Stars Finalists

Introducing the 2026 Shooting Stars Class! The Shooting Stars Program was created in 1997 to showcase the incredible artistic talent we have in our Johnson County schools. Since then, thousands of students have gone through our program and have become artists and changemakers, directly influencing the community and those around them. Join us on April 12, 2026 at the Midwest Trust Center to honor the 2026 Shooting Stars Class with recognition, scholarships, and awards. These incredible students also have an exhibition at the renowned Nerman Museum of Contemporary art, which will be unveiled on April 12, 2026 at the Shooting Stars Gala. We

December 23, 2025 In Advocacy, Art, Arts & economic development

The Arts Council of Johnson County Presents: The 2025 Arts Advocate Award Winners

As we ended the year with a celebration of the Johnson County Arts Community as a whole during our Creative Connections Breakfast, we also took the time to honor those individuals that lift our community. Introduced in 2023, The Arts Advocate Award is awarded to individuals who have dedicated significant time, effort, and leadership that has positively impacted the creative economy and community here in Johnson County. This year, we were able to bestow 4 awards on individuals who were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of those dedicated to Johnson County Art. Angi Cain Hejduk is a

November 3, 2025 In Art, Arts & economic development, Arts & Humanities, Arts Council

Recognizing National Arts & Humanities Month in Johnson County

On October 21, 2025, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners formally recognized and proclaimed October as National Arts and Humanities Month.  National Arts & Humanities Month is a national initiative to create a national focus on the arts. This initiative shines a light on the effects of the arts and humanities, including but surely not limited to embodying the wisdom, intellect, and imagination of humanity, enriching lives, and improving our individual and collective well-being.  In Johnson County, the nonprofit arts industry generated $38.5 million in economic activity in 2022. This spending includes $23.1 million in event spending by the audiences of

August 25, 2025 In Uncategorized

Meeting the Moment: Reflecting on the Impact of the 2024 Canvas Collective

Artwork created by Smitha George In a year focused on connection and community, the **Canvas Collective** emerged as a powerful reminder of how creativity can build bridges, foster healing, and strengthen community. Hosted by the Arts Council of Johnson County and funded through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, this free, four-month workshop series invited local creatives to explore artmaking as a tool for personal growth and collective transformation. What we Created Together Led by artist Justin Border and art therapists Melanie Arroyo, and Kaley Wajcman, the workshops welcomed participants of all skill levels to engage with wet media, textiles, printmaking, and

July 29, 2025 In Arts Council

ACJC Named Johnson County’s Local Arts Agency

The Arts Council of Johnson County (ACJC) is honored to announce that we have been officially designated as the Local Arts Agency (LAA) for Johnson County, Kansas. This recognition comes following the Board of County Commissioners’ resolution passed on July 24, 2025, affirming our leadership in supporting and advancing the arts throughout our region. What Is a Local Arts Agency? Local Arts Agencies exist to serve their communities by promoting, supporting, and developing access to the arts. They come in many forms—government departments, nonprofit organizations, or hybrid models—and operate at municipal, county, regional, and tribal levels. Importantly, LAAs aren’t limited to a

July 29, 2025 In Art, Artists, Arts in education, Engaging Community, Veteran Art

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

March 12, 2025 In Advocacy, Art, Artists, Arts Events, Visual Arts

The Transformative Impact of the Arts

Art is more than just an expression—it is a powerful force for connection, healing, and transformation. The STASH 3 project, led by the Arts Council of Johnson County in collaboration with artist Justin Border, is a perfect example of how creativity can bridge isolation, spark inspiration, and foster a sense of belonging. Creativity as a Catalyst At its core, STASH 3 was designed to challenge artists by providing them with a curated set of materials and inviting them to respond creatively. This seemingly simple act—working with found objects—became a means for artists to push their creative limits. Many participants described the

February 27, 2025 In Uncategorized

2025 Shooting Stars Finalists

The Arts are a vibrant force that enrich every community and elevate the quality of life for all. They’re not just a subject; they’re the heartbeat of innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and self-expression—essential skills for students to thrive in today’s world. The Shooting Stars Program is here to celebrate the incredible talent of Johnson County’s high school seniors who are making their mark in the arts. Since 1997, Shooting Stars has honored over 1,000 students for their artistic achievements, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level! Join us for the 2025 Shooting Stars Gala on April 6, 2025,

December 19, 2024 In Artists, Shooting Stars

2024 Johnson County State of the Arts

Art is essential. It strengthens Johnson County at every level—enriching individuals, families, and communities. Creativity serves as a foundation for innovation, prosperity, and vibrant people and places. The arts are ingrained in our civic infrastructure and community identity, intertwined with our economic development, and are an important component of individual and community health and well-being. In Johnson County, the arts are a powerful economic driver. Our local creative economy generates $38.5 million in economic activity every year. This revenue fuels local businesses, creates jobs, enhances the quality of life for our residents, and boosts cultural tourism. Every gallery opening, performance, or