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Vision

We envision a world in which the arts are universally valued as essential to the human experience and the Lied Center is a catalyst for realizing this ideal.

Alignment with University-Wide Strategic Initiatives

1. Sustaining the Planet, Powering the World

  • Throughout the Lied Center’s history, we have presented many artists who support the ideals of this initiative. Recently, these artists or programs include KODO, Armitage Gone! Dance, and red, black & GREEN: a blues.
  • We have implemented several staff policies related to recycling and energy conservation resulting in our designation as a Level 2 Green Office.
  • With guest artist hospitality, we strive to utilize recyclable materials such as refillable Igloo water jugs instead of bottled water. For patron and donor gifts, we strive to provide only reusable items (ex. refillable water bottles, tote bags).

2. Promoting Well-Being, Finding Cures

  • Throughout the Lied Center’s history, we have presented many artists who support the ideals of this initiative. Recently, these artists or programs include Pilobolus, ETHEL String Quartet, and Liz Lerman Dance Exchange.
  • In providing free access to the performing arts for all pre-schoolers through 5th graders in our community, these students are inspired by creativity and receive a much more holistic education.
  • In providing free access to the performing arts for underserved constituents of all ages in our community, their well-being is impacted in a very positive way through the transformative power of the performing arts.

3. Building Communities, Expanding Opportunities

  • Throughout the Lied Center’s history, we have presented many artists who support the ideals of this initiative. Recently, these artists or programs include the Soweto Gospel Choir, Andrea Gibson, Scott Turner Schofield, Rohina Malik, Frank Waln and Rennie Harris Puremovement.
  • Annually, we provide age-specific, free access to the performing arts for all pre-schoolers through 12th graders in our community regardless of socioeconomic background. We are honored to connect with over 10,000 students attending Lawrence Public Schools every year.
  • Annually, we provide over 1,500 free tickets to underserved constituents of all ages in our community.
  • Our Lied Across Kansas initiative supports our statewide community through annual residencies by international touring artists in Sabetha, Russell, Hays and Salina-area.
  • Since 2016, we have hosted and produced the KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival in partnership with the First Nations Student Association. This annual event now attracts ~4,000 members of the community to celebrate contemporary and traditional Indigenous culture.
  • Annually, we facilitate dozens of workshops, master classes and conversations between world-class artists from around the globe with university and K-12 students and community members of all ages.
  • Initiated during our 2014-2015 season, our annual Jayhawk Live series pairs international performing artists with university ensembles for intense experiential learning residencies that culminate in special performances. Participating ensembles include the KU Symphony Orchestra, KU Jazz Ensemble I, KU Wind Ensemble, University Dance Company and KU Percussion Group.
  • Annually, we serve as a communal gathering space for shared experience, connection, conversation and the celebration of achievement for dozens of campus and community organizations.

4. Harnessing Information, Multiplying Knowledge

  • In September of 2014, the Lied Center launched its webcasting initiative. To date, we have live streamed over 100 events featuring such entities as the School of Music, Business School, Dole Institute, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences which have attracted tens of thousands of viewers from all 50 states, 90 countries and 121 cities in the state of Kansas.
  • In September of 2014, the Lied Center introduced the “Beyond the Stage” mini-documentary video series. These episodes, viewable on-demand, demonstrate the profound impact of Lied Center engagement and education events featuring world-class artists working with members of our university and regional community.
  • In addition to providing teacher training workshops for local educators, the Lied Center works with USD 497 to provide educational materials related to schools-only performances through the use of technology via Blackboard and YouTube.

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Beginning July 1, 2017, state law allows for the concealed carry of handguns at the University of Kansas, which includes the Lied Center of Kansas. Visit www.concealedcarry.ku.edu for details.