(KAIR)--A local community theater and area school district will both benefit from the Kansas Arts Commission's $1 million allocation to be shared among a total of 108 grant recipients from across the state, with the funding reinforcing, a release says, the arts commission's "role as a catalyst for economic development and community vitality.”

According to the release from the Kansas Department of Commerce, the state- arts and culture industry supported nearly 50,000 Kansas jobs and contributed $5.47 billion to the state economy in 2023, with the $1 million awarded this year to be invested in the arts programs of non-profit organizations, local governments and colleges and universities across the state. In return, awarded organizations are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar investment match.

Grant recipients receive funding in one of four categories, with Atchison's Theater Atchison receiving just over $15,000 in the category of general operating support, awarded to eligible organizations whose mission directly supports arts and cultural programming.

The South Brown County Schools of USD 430 are named as a grant recipient of $7,500 in the Visiting Artists Program, awarded to eligible organizations to engage and deepen the impact of arts programming on local and underserved audiences through exposure to and interaction with professional visiting artists.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, in the release said the "grants will support an array of organizations and initiatives that will enrich the appeal of these communities, encourage innovation and drive economic growth,” adding that "arts shape the unique character of our Kansas communities and through these awards, community leaders and artists can continue investing locally while opening doors to new opportunities and experiences for residents and visitors alike.”

Funding for the grants come from appropriations by the Kansas Legislature and federal support from the National Endowment of the Arts.