The Koch Cultural Trust was founded in 1986 by Elizabeth Koch. Under her guidance as president of the Trust, the program has evolved into a major source of support for outstanding artists with roots in Kansas. The Trust has awarded more than $1.7 million in grants. Click here for perspective from Elizabeth Koch.
The Koch Cultural Trust creates opportunity for the most promising painters, sculptors, musicians, dancers and performing artists. KCT Enabling Grants are funded by Fred and Mary Koch Foundation.
Since 1988, KCT has relied upon a committee comprised of Wichita art leaders to select grant recipients: Howard Ellington, director, Wichita Center for the Arts; Cecil Riney, retired chairman of the fine arts department, Friends University; Wayne Bryan, producing artistic director, Music Theatre of Wichita; Dr. Jay Decker, professor emeritus of music, Wichita State University; and Stan Rogers, associate professor and director of the ballet department, Friends University. The selection committee makes quarterly awards to those artists who need and deserve extra support to advance their talents.