Hays Arts Council

About

Hays Arts Council, Inc. is based in Hays, Ellis County, Kansas. Its website describes it as a source of community theater, exhibitions and arts events. It operates the Hays Arts Center at 112 E. 11th Street and the HAC Annex at 1010 Main. The council holds two annual exhibitions. The Five State Photography Exhibition is open to photographers from Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri and Colorado. The Smoky Hill Art Exhibition is a competition for Kansas artists working in 2-D and 3-D media. The council is running a capital campaign, "for the Heart of Hays", to renovate and expand its facilities. It also states a commitment to making the arts available to people with physical and mental disabilities. The Kansas Department of Commerce lists Hays Arts Council, Inc. as a recipient of Kansas Arts Commission General Operating Support grants. Brenda Meder has been its executive director since 1990 and received a 2025 Governor's Arts Award. The council produces and presents performing arts for adult and youth audiences, and its youth programs reach 12 elementary schools in five towns across three counties.