Community Arts Mapping in Johnson County
Community Arts Mapping can be used to tell the story of arts and culture in Johnson County. It helps us:
- understand our arts ecosystem, transportation patterns, and paths or barriers to access.
- grow our awareness of the diverse artists and arts programs that exist in their community, leading to better lines of communication as well as more equitable funding, professional development, and small business assistance.
- And gives us a better and more complete picture of our creative economy and its economic impact on our region.
The mission of the Community Arts Map project is to help our community understand who and where artists, arts, and related non-arts entities exist in Johnson County by placing markers and descriptions on a digital map. For the Johnson County community arts map, we’re approaching the project with a focus on racial and LGBTQIA+ equity.
ACJC is also partnering with ArtsKC, who is beginning work on a regional cultural asset map. Together we can share resources and approach the project in a more efficient and sustainable way. ACJC is working with an Advisory Committee, made up of artists and arts organizations, to help guide the project and assist with community engagement.
We believe authentic relationship building and community input are critical to the Community Arts Map’s success and long-term sustainability. This spring, we’ll begin the mapping process which will include online surveys, information sessions, in person community engagements and a spring forum.
Thank you to the members of the ACJC Community Arts Mapping Advisory Committee!
- Matthew Walter– ACJC Governing Board Vice President and Committee Chair
- Allison Bowman– Administrative Assistant, ACJC
- Sarah VanLanduyt– Executive Director, ACJC
- Stacie McDaniel– Executive Director, Midwest Trust Center
- Angi Hejduk– CEO, InterUrban ArtHouse
- Matthew Schulte– Heartland Men’s Chorus board member
- Melanie Arroyo– Lenexa City Councilmember and art therapist
- Jamie James– Visual Artist
- Linnaia McKenzie– Founder, Advocacy and Awareness Group of Johnson County
- Bryan Voell– Local Arts Librarian, Johnson County Public Library
- Melanie Johnson– Visual Artist
- Ted Collins, Olathe Civic Theater
- Greg Dixon, Olathe Arts Alliance