By TAYLOR THOMPSON
Tiger Media Network
The Hays Arts Council (HAC) has launched its “For the Heart of Hays” fundraising campaign, an initiative that will transform its downtown spaces and expand its art programs and facilities. This project will unify the Annex, main gallery, and Madd Matter Frame Shop, into a single, cohesive art space. This will allow HAC to host more workshops, exhibitions, live shows, and youth educational programs.
Thanks to early support from its own members and local businesses, the campaign has already raised $1.65 million—over halfway to the $3 million goal. Now, the HAC is calling for the local community to help complete the vision in time for its 60th anniversary.
“We’re trying to get the word out about how important this project is to our entire community and what it will mean to our community to have this kind of beautiful space downtown, drawing people from all over, and just how many things we can do for the community,” said Hays Arts Council Vice President and Chair of the Steering Committee JoAnn Jennings.
The project began with generous support from HAC’s own board members, From their internal fundraising, they achieved 100% participation from all the members.
“We raised about $347,000 with those 29 people, which basically said all of us are very committed to this project, believe in it, and we’re ready to move forward,” Jennings said.
This success propelled HAC into a “silent phase” where they reached out to key philanthropists, including the Schmidt Foundation, which has pledged $1 million.
This new, unified space will allow HAC to expand its offerings with more art programs, such as adult workshops, multimedia showcases, and exhibitions featuring a wider range of artists, as well as creating a venue for theatrical performances. Additionally, the HAC will be able to host more education programs for children, including painting, drawing, performing arts, and creative writing classes.
“Our plan is to connect all of those spaces together into one beautiful art gallery where we can hold classes in the summer and probably throughout the year for all age groups,” Jennings said.
The building itself will also update its facilities and infrastructure to allow for these events.
“We’ll be adding a workable kitchen, some conference space, new bathrooms, and just updating a building that hasn’t had anything done for 60 or more years,” said Hays Arts Council President Brittney Squire.
Squire also noted plans to create flexible spaces for live music, dance performances, and large-scale exhibits.
“Think about something like live music or dance or different art forms that we don’t really have adequate space to host right now,” she said.
The HAC hopes to begin construction in 2025 and complete the renovation in 2027, just in time for its 60th anniversary.
Community members can learn more and donate to the Heart of Hays campaign by visiting HaysArtsCouncil.org. The campaign page includes donation options, project updates, and renderings of the planned space. Squire encourages the community to visit and stay connected, noting that every donation represents an investment in the future of art in Hays.
“When you donate, you’re investing in the next 50 to 60 years of art in all its forms for not only Hays, but Ellis County and all of the surrounding area,” Squire said. “You’re saying art is important for everyone. So we thank every person who donates.”
To show support and learn more about the “Heart of Hays” campaign, all students are invited to the “FHSU Student Arty Party” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Annex on Main St.
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