1. CIMCITY COMMISSION INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
February 22, 2016
ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEF FROM BRAD ANDERSON
ARTS AND HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT
The Salina Arts & Humanities and Smoky Hill Museum staff are continuing to provide
education, programming, design, advocacy, research, marketing, and fundraising work to
support the department's mission in service to the community and visitors. Highlights of
recent activity and upcoming projects are as follows:
2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Salina Arts & Humanities, the 40th anniversary of
the Smoky Hill River Festival, and the 30th anniversary of the Smoky Hill Museum.
Plans are under way for special recognition and celebration as the year progresses.
A new mural is being planned for Oakdale Park in conjunction with the Smoky Hill
River Festival. Two different designs are being proposed and citizens can vote for their
favorite through the Smoky Hill River Festival Facebook page.
Fundraising for The Curiosity Shop in the Smoky Hill Museum is nearly finished.
Construction bids will be opened on March 4 and construction should begin in April
and completed by late summer.
• SAH will be launching a new website in early March. It will include a more
comprehensive record of public art and a searchable database for individual artists as
well as local and regional arts organizations. This will be directly linked with the City of
Salina website.
• Smoky Hill River Festival planning is nearly complete. Musical acts have been
selected, visual artist applications are being received, fundraising is in high gear, and
art installations are being finalized. A press conference announcing the 2016 River
Festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 5 at Salina Arts & Humanities.
The Salina Arts & Humanities Commission is reaching out to the community in an
effort to learn more about how the arts can impact new audiences. Representatives
from the Salina Area United Way and St. Francis Community Services have shared
about their organizations. Circles of the Heartland will be presenting to the Arts
Commission for the March meeting.
A new exhibit in the central gallery of the Smoky Hill Museum opened February 19.
The exhibit 1960's Part II: Power to the People features the social changes that
occurred during this exciting decade of American history. The museum is open five
days per week and is free of charge.
MONDAY'S MEETING
Enclosed are other items on the agenda. If any Commissioner has questions or cannot
attend the meeting, please contact me.
Jason A. Gage, City Manager