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Core Values

Art makes everyone’s lives better.

Arts for all means everyone who enters our spaces feel welcomed and supported.

Early training in the arts increases intelligence, fosters self-discipline, and helps to create thoughtful citizens.

Diverse opinions enhance our environment and impact our
entire community.

Creativity is the core of our work.

Everyone has a place in the arts.

We strive to increase partnerships and collaboration opportunities.

We will authentically listen to ideas with compassion to promote learning and growth.

We will work to provide the highest level of programming and artistic opportunities.

Honesty, integrity, inclusion, curiosity, and respect are the cornerstones of our culture.

manhattan arts center
paint brushes stored upside down in a container

MAC Mission

We are a living and vibrant hub for the arts in our community.

We believe art is for ALL.

We provide meaningful and impactful arts experiences for the community through performances, education, and exhibitions.

paint brushes stored upside down in a container

MAC’s Guiding Principles for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

  1. Including everyone in our spaces is an asset to our growth
    and future.
  2. Love is the strongest magic.
  3. Every individual has special gifts the world needs.
  4. Be a leader in our community for acceptance and inclusivity.
  5. You matter here.
  6. The arts and creativity are the foundation of your potential.
  7. Intentional outreach is the pathway to creating opportunities.
  8. Communicate openly and hold ourselves accountable to one
    another, our supporters and all our audiences.

Our Story

  • The Manhattan Civic Theatre

    The Manhattan Civic Theatre
    1950

    The Manhattan Civic Theatre (MCT) was the oldest of the partners. Starting as a community / university play-reading club in the 1950s, the group established itself as a community theatre in 1964 and incorporated in 1972.

    Since then, it has put on regular main-stage productions and several smaller, second-stage productions each year, and has conducted outreach projects. MCT operated without a permanent home until moving into the Arts Center building in 1994.

  • The Manhattan Arts Council

    The Manhattan Arts Council
    1972

    The Manhattan Arts Council grew out of the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce in 1972. Initially it cooperated with Kansas State University to obtain pass-through grants for the university’s new concert series. The council soon developed a quality art exhibition series and membership grew from a few dozen to 500-600 members.

    Staff originally was volunteer-based and later became professional. The council evolved into a full community arts agency that promotes the arts through activities including sponsoring:

    • Community arts celebrations

    • Programs in the schools

    • Transportation to arts events

    • Radio and TV programs

    • A monthly publication

  • The Manhattan Arts Center

    The Manhattan Arts Center
    1984

    The MAC was the youngest member of the group. Efforts to establish an arts center for Manhattan began in 1984, but did not immediately bear fruit. In 1991, the Manhattan Civic Theatre joined forces with the Manhattan Arts Council, and in 1993 the MAC was established with the purpose of finding a permanent home for community arts.

    The team purchased the facility at 1520 Poyntz Avenue in 1993, with the help of a grant from the City of Manhattan. After months of cleaning and remodeling by volunteers, the building opened.

    About the MAC Facility

    Today the facility includes a performance hall, two galleries, clay studio, art studio, dressing rooms, set design shop and offices. The Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing's community service tax credit program (2000-2001) provided the unique opportunity to make much-needed changes to the building’s exterior. With the help of local businesses and MAC donors, improvements have also been made to the Clarenburg Foyer and both galleries.

    Performances & Showcases

    The MAC offers a wide range of performing and visual arts activities and showcases the artistic talents of amateurs and professionals alike. We are always open to new avenues that will bring new arts experiences to the Manhattan region. In keeping with our mission of "Arts for All", we thrive on community involvement in all aspects of the arts – painting, acting, music, classes, etc. – as well as through memberships, volunteer activities and sponsors.

    The MAC is funded in part by the City of Manhattan and by MAC members and friends. MAC is a member of AHA! Manhattan, the Arts and Humanities Association of Manhattan.

MAC team photo
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SUPPORT THE ARTS

Become a Member

Supporting MAC helps us fulfill our mission to "Enrich the community through a variety of art experiences and education." Your generosity ensures that theatre, music, and art activities are accessible to all, contributing to the exceptional quality of life in our community.