Art Facilities in Lawrence

1974

Born form a partnership between the Lawrence Arts Commission and the City of Lawrence, the Lawrence Arts Center was established on May 24, 1974,

1975

Working in partnership with the City, the Lawrence Arts Center launched in the historic Carnegie Library Building and quickly held its first arts center exhibit.

1978

After remodeling the facility, the Lawrence Arts Center’s 1978 curriculum included 41 classes, up from just 9 classes when the center first opened.

1979

Lawrence Arts Center presents the Seem-To-Be-Players, a theatre group for young people.

1980

The Lawrence Arts Center was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, helping us grant access to workshops and classes for those in need of financial assistance.

1983

The Seem-To-Be-Players become a professional acting group.

1987

The inaugural Cultural Arts Fair for parents, teachers, and youth leaders was held on Oct. 13, and Ann Evans, arts director at the time, received the Lawrence Cultural Enhancement award for “major contributions to city enhancement and cultural exchange.”

1991

Lawrence Arts Center receives the Kansas Governor’s Arts Award.

1995

Plans for an expansion of the center begin.

2000

The people of Lawrence raised $3.5 million to build a state-of-the-art facility. The City agreed to match this private investment, and through this partnership, a $7 million thriving public facility and city asset was born.

2002

The Lawrence Arts Center opens the doors to its new building at 940 New Hampshire St. The new facility has room to expand existing programs.

2004

Linda Reimond, Lawrence Arts Center arts-based preschool instructor, is awarded the Mayor’s Award for teachers in the Lawrence school district.

2022

Driven by high demand for Arts Center programs, in 2022 the Arts Center expanded to 10th and Mass. Studios, an annex space for dance, theatre classes, small audience productions, movie screenings and community events.