Exciting times in Topeka, Kansas

Topeka, the capital city in NE Kansas with a population of 123,000, is in the third year of a strategic planning process dubbed “Heartland Visioning” and we are now beginning to implement many of the strategies developed in the overall plan. This exciting community-based process has had participation from nearly 5,000 residents to determine priorities for Topeka’s future. Learn more from Visit Topeka, Inc.

The Arts District Project: NOTO

One of the highest priorities in the plan has been the creation of a downtown Arts District. Communities across the country have successfully developed inner-city areas into thriving arts districts, and we believe that can happen in Topeka! The synergy of the arts districts will revitalize the area and create many economic development opportunities.

The NOTO name was selected from the first two letters of NOrth TOpeka, revealing not only its location, but designating its unique identity.

Support from the community

Heartland Visioning leadership, the City of Topeka leadership, the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, local artists, local property owners, the North Topeka Business Alliance, North Topeka on the Move Association and many other groups in the city have enthusiastically expressed their support for this initiative.

Location

The Historic North Topeka (NOTO) business district. Near the Kansas River, this area is at the north end of the city’s main downtown corridor and boasts a number of original buildings from Topeka’s earliest days. Although in need of some TLC, these buildings have charm, style and “good bones” and are available at below-market rental rates. The NOTO district is contained within a three-block area that has been recently updated with new street lights and planters. Nearby are the beautifully-restored Great Overland Station Museum, a planned Riverfront Park, and older homes that showcase various architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Folk Victorian and Gothic Revival.

More about Historic North Topeka

The Plan

Heartland Visioning will market the NOTO project of studio space at affordable prices in a redevelopment project of the historic NOTO area. The goal is to attract a cadre of artists in a cross-section of representation: from the young, budding artists already in Topeka doing amazing things, to the more mature artists in the area well into their careers, to the established entrepreneurial artists in Topeka as well as in the Midwest. This will provide a lively arts district which in turn will attract economic development in the thriving area. This will include:

• A core of professional, entrepreneurial artists from the Midwest (including Topeka) to be pacesetters to relocate to Topeka to set up studio space
• Professional artists in Topeka and the surrounding area to rent studio spaces at economical prices, either single space or shared space
• An “incubation studio” for several budding artists in Topeka and the surrounding area, working to get established

Business Plan

A business plan was developed to include exciting incentives for professional, entrepreneurial artists to relocate from around the Midwest. Please see these incentives here. Agreements for economical rents have been discussed with the property owners on Kansas Avenue, specifically for the incubator studios and the single or shared spaces for local artists.

The Next Steps

Because established, entrepreneurial artists are vital to the success of the whole project, Heartland Visioning is now seeking artists who have a potential interest in moving their studios as part of the core group in the new North Topeka Art District, NOTO. For many, this will mean relocating, and moving expenses will be provided for those who qualify.

We want to hear from you!

• Tell us if you are interested in applying as part of the core group: Contact us.
• if you are interested in the incubator space for emerging artists and receive more information as the project develops, Contact us.
  
• If you are interested in information as it develops on renting a single studio space at a reasonable price, please Contact us.

NOTO Arts District: Meet the Leadership Team

John Hunter, Quality of Life Foundation Chair
Professor of Theater, Washburn University
Former Vice-chair, Kansas Arts Commission

Anita Wolgast, Quality of Life Foundation Co-chair
Consultant, Community Activist
Former Chair, Kansas Arts Commission

Barbara Waterman-Peters, Arts and Culture Co-chair
Award-winning Artist, Shown Internationally
Educator and Published Author

Beth Fager, Arts and Culture Co-chair
Campaign Director, Great Overland Station
Former Commissioner, Kansas Arts Commission