From 1975 until 1983 the Carnegie Library building was used to house the Senior Citizens Center. In the fall of 1983 after the senior citizens moved into their new location, the city agreed to lease the building to the Goodland Arts Council.
The Goodland Arts Council was formed on October 16th, 1978 as a non-profit organization after a committee appointed by the local PRIDE organization studied the feasibility of a community prior to obtaining the Carnegie Library building. However, in 1983 the arts council began a major fund raising and membership campaign to raise money to renovate the interior of the Carnegie building. The arts council updated the electrical wiring, the plumbing, purchased a new furnace and air conditioner, installed storm windows, painted, carpeted, made a few structural changes and added office equipment to the building.
On June 10, 1984 the building opened as the Carnegie Arts Center. Since that time the arts council has hosted monthly art exhibits in the gallery, held special musical and theatrical events, and provided arts education in the summer to area youth. The arts council, with the support of the Sherman County Historical Society, PRIDE, and city, also registered the building as a Kansas Historical Registry of Historic Places.
Board of Directors
Executive Director ➔ Tanner Hoffman
President ➔ Brooke Heiter
Vice President ➔ Nick Evert
Secretary ➔ Ussiel Gallegos
Treasurer ➔ Jeremy Skrdlant
Mission Statement
It is our mission to provide all people an opportunity to appreciate the arts. We strive to make these opportunities affordable and accessible to everyone.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this council shall be as follows:
- To promote and assist existing cultural activities in Goodland and the surrounding areas.
- To initiate new cultural programs for which a need is demonstrated.
- To provide the availability of quality arts of all varieties to enhance experience, appreciation and pleasure.