friends of
NOTO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
MEMBERSHIP
Friends of NOTO provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to be part of the NOTO community and support its mission of enhancing the quality of life for the region. Membership donations go toward programs, facility maintenance and improvements, and district events and revitalization.
BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES
- • Special preview of the Morris Gallery openings with featured artists.
- • Select invitations to NOTO activists and events.
- • Assist, sponsor, or host NOTO events.
- • Serve on committee or task groups to help NOTO meet its mission.
- • Recognition on the NOTO website, newsletters, and at events.
- • Discounts to contributing businesses.
- • Regular updates about events and happenings in the district.
- • Semi-annual print chronicle and celebration of the district.
special initiatives in
NOTO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
The transformation of the North Topeka business district into what is now referred to as NOTO is a source of community pride, but there is still much to do. With support of the Redbud Foundation and Heartland Visioning, a master plan was developed to frame a vision for district planning. To meet the vision of the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District, continued development and enhancements are essential.
The NOTO Arts and Entertainment District is pursuing an ambitious capital campaign to accomplish things that will not only enhance the district and the quality of life in Topeka, but will enhance NOTO’s part of a dynamic regional core with Downtown and the Kansas Riverfront. NOTO’s story of transformation is not yet complete. We seek community support to help us continue our story.
Redbud Park
The Redbud Foundation donated the land located to the east of the NOTO Arts Center. Plans have been developed and fundraising is currently underway to transform this industrial parking lot and storage facility into the Redbud Park. As the location of the park is in an arts and entertainment district, it will feature various outdoor sculptures, including a commemorative piece honoring Claire Swogger, local artist and wife of Glenn Swogger, Jr. of the Redbud Foundation. The park will feature a commemorative piece to the band Kansas, pieces dedicated to other notable artists from the area, a facility for performance art, interactive play activities for children and, of course, redbud trees!
NOTO Arts Center
The NOTO Arts Center serves as the administrative office for the executive director and other staff, is a meeting place for the districts, an event venue, and an art center featuring a gallery, art classes and educational events. The Arts Center plays many roles, but its capacity as a resource to the district and the community can be enhanced with renovations that have been identified by the NOTO Arts and Entertainment District Board. In addition to building improvements that will enhance energy efficiency, access, and visitor experience, renovations are needed to the community room and the outside courtyard area, and major renovations to the basement area for classrooms and studios.
NOTO District
There is an array of opportunities throughout the district that would enhance overall attractiveness to visitors. While NOTO is already a main attraction in Topeka, by enhancing beautification, safety, and visitor accommodations NOTO can be even more attractive and visitor friendly. General areas for the district beautification includes more public art, decorative lights, and banners. District enhancements also include parking. NOTO is exploring not options for additional parking and improvements to existing parking, including better lighting, maintenance, and signage.