STEERING COMMITTEE

Jordan E. Brooks
Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield
Michelle De La Isla
Sean Dixon
Bill Fiander
Connie Gibbons
Jen Gogian
Kerrice Mapes
Staci Ogle
Mike Padilla
Donna Rae Pearson
Ellie Smith
Zach Snethen
Christina Valdivia-Alcala
Seth Wagoner
Eugene Williams

The Topeka Arts and Culture Master Plan emerged from months of primary and secondary research by Group Creative Services with support from a broad steering committee. Topeka’s rich arts ecosystem and the strength of ArtsConnect join a range of community plans to integrate with the in-progress plans such as Momentum 2027, the Topeka and Shawnee County Parks & Recreation Master Plan and the City of Topeka’s Downtown Master Plan.

The recommended work focuses on maximizing existing cultural resources and unique history to push Topeka forward – activating placemaking themes, advancing ArtsConnect’s roles, expand-ing resources, developing cultural districts and integrating artists in civic processes.

It’s the right time to support more art in Topeka – to activate public art for continued momentum.


The Topeka Arts & Culture Master Plan offers recommendations that guide the work of arts organizations and artists in alignment with established community priorities and work plans, offering a pathway forward for the arts & culture sector in Topeka.

The main goals for this planning process are:

  • Strategic advancement of arts & culture in Topeka.

  • Concrete plan for the coordination and sharing of resources across the creative sector to increase public benefit.

  • Increase community engagement, resiliency and responsiveness.

  • Build a common vision for community recovery through the arts.

WHY IS CULTURAL PLANNING IMPORTANT?

The creative sector must be given the tools it needs to better plan and work together to build strength and partnership. This is a critical need for the success and health of our entire community. This need is even greater now than it has been in the past as we look to the arts as a critical force for community and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. By establishing a shared vision, our creative sector will be more able to eliminate duplication, build strategic partnerships and advocate together with a unified voice. The plan shows us how to move forward to build strength and support not only for organizations and artists themselves. It offers a framework that helps non-arts stakeholders understand how the arts can equitably address issues of community health, resilience and development.