The Kansas Arts Commission has a new chair, and the group’s board will be undergoing major changes this month. Governor Sam Brownback has vetoed state funding for the arts. He set up a non-profit foundation to raise money for the arts from private donors. Last week, Brownback chose to replace the chair of the Arts Commission, who had been critical of the new funding plan. Later this month, Brownback will also replace commissioners who have either resigned or whose terms are expiring. Outgoing commission chair Henry Schwaller says that by the end of June, the governor's selections will make up a majority of the 12-member commission.
Sherriene Jones-Sontag is a spokesperson for the governor. She says Brownback replaced the chair because he wanted someone in the job who would help advance his vision of private donations supporting the arts.