Independence Arts Council

The Independence Arts Council fosters and advances the development of art and culture in the City of Independence, aiming to enrich the lives of residents and visitors.

Membership Information

The Council appoints nine members to the Arts Council, each serving a three-year term and selected to guarantee a diverse representation of artistic and professional expertise. Four members must have significant knowledge and demonstrated experience in one or more areas of the visual arts, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, video, filmmaking, and architecture. One member must have significant knowledge and demonstrated experience in one or more areas of the applied arts, including industrial design, graphic design, fashion, design, interior design, and decorative art. Two members must represent performing arts, including theater, music, and spoken word. Two members must come from the business or professional community. The Staff Liaison: Charlie Dissell (cdissell@indepmo.org)

Current Members:

• Stacie Short, term expires October 24, 2027
• Cindy McClain, term expires October 24, 2027
• Byron Constance, term expires October 24, 2027
• Tom Hall, term expires October 24, 2027
• Katie Gall, term expires October 24, 2027
• Nancy Eppert, term expires October 24, 2027
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Purpose

The purpose of the Independence Arts Council is to:

1. Plan, promote, and encourage public awareness of, accessibility to, participation in, and support for the artistic and cultural development of the City of Independence.
2. Forge Partnerships with private and/or public organizations in and around Jackson County to promote and support the arts.
3. Serve as an advisory body and make recommendations to the City Council regarding the establishment and implementation of arts and cultural policies and programs.
4. Administer the City's 1% for the Arts Program, as authorized by the City Council.

1% for the Arts Program

The 1% for the Arts Program allocates one percent of capital construction or renovation budgets for all municipal building projects, and is encouraged in projects eliminating blight, for the purchase, commissioning, and installation of artworks.

Why invest in art?

The arts create more vibrant communities and strengthen economies. The development and promotion of art in the community builds city pride and increases civic engagement, which reduces vandalism and crime. Economically, a robust art and cultural sector attracts visitors, stimulates local spending, and draws new investment. According to a recent study by Americans for the Arts, Missouri’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $1.725 billion in economic activity in 2022.

History

• In 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution 6845, which dissolved the Mayor's Advisory Commission on the Arts.
• In 2023, the City Council formed a new entity, the Independence Arts Commission, to oversee and guide a public arts program.