Welcome to the Great Plains Emerging Arts Project, the proud non-profit partner of the Great Plains Art & Music Festival. Our primary mission is to help fund the construction of an amphitheater at Sesquicentennial Point Park, the festival's home. We are also dedicated to ensuring that access to the daytime portion of the festival from 11 AM to 4 PM remains free for all attendees, fostering a community where everyone can enjoy the arts.

 

Our commitment to accessibility and community engagement is reflected in our efforts to make the first part of The Great Plains Art & Music Festival free and open to the public, complete with free parking. We aim to attract thousands of attendees from across the region to support artists, original handmade vendors, non-profits, and the culinary maestros who bring their food and dessert trucks to the event. To achieve this, we need to provide substantial resources to accommodate the large crowds.

 

We also strive to offer a platform for local and regional performing artists to showcase their talents and gain recognition. 

 

**Mission Statement:**  

To enrich our community by constructing a vibrant amphitheater in our city park, supporting free access to arts and cultural festivals, and empowering arts organizations, non-profits, and artists through dedicated marketing assistance.

 

**Our Current Focus:**

 

Our primary goal is to support the free portion of the festival, which includes free parking and showcases emerging talent through complimentary performances. Your donations ensure that this segment of the event remains accessible to all community members, regardless of financial means. Funds will help pay musicians who perform without guaranteed payment and provide essential amenities like triple the amount of porta-johns needed for the daytime portion of the event. We also need financial support to pay staff available during the day to manage the vendor fair when attendance is highest. In the evening, the festival transitions to a paid music event with a smaller audience.

 

**The Great Plains Art & Music Festival:**

 

Scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024, the festival is a celebration of regional talent. It brings together artists, vendors, and food trucks, creating a unique marketplace that fosters community interaction and support for the arts.

 

**Why We Need Your Support:**

 

- **Supporting Free Festival Access:** Donations ensure that the free half of the festival remains accessible to all community members, providing free parking and showcasing emerging talent.

- **Construction of the Amphitheater:** Your contributions help fund the construction of an amphitheater at Sesquicentennial Point Park, providing a permanent venue for arts events with free parking and enhanced accessibility.

 

**Our Vision for the Future:**

 

Beyond the festival, we aim to establish a permanent venue for arts events in our community. The construction of the amphitheater will provide a versatile space for cultural activities, fostering a thriving arts culture in Lawrence.

 

**Join Us in Making a Difference:**

 

Your donations directly contribute to the success and sustainability of the Great Plains Art & Music Festival and the construction of the amphitheater. By supporting our cause, you're investing in the future of accessible arts events in our region, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene.

 

Thank you for your support. We look forward to celebrating with you at the Great Plains Art & Music Festival and contributing to the lasting legacy of arts accessibility in Lawrence.