ARTS Manhattan

What ARTS Manhattan does

Manhattan Arts Center (MAC) is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) community arts organization headquartered at 1520 Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, Kansas, operating a single multi-purpose venue that includes a performance hall, two galleries, a clay studio, an art studio, dressing rooms, a set design shop, and offices. A satellite ceramics studio at 1101 Fremont Street (City Park) was added in September 2025. The organization delivers five core program lines: Mainstage Theatre productions (5 per season) and Youth Theatre / MACademy productions (5 per season); visual and performing arts education classes for children and adults across ceramics, drawing, painting, dance, acting, and improv; rotating contemporary art exhibitions in two gallery spaces; supervised open studio sessions; and community events including Camp MAC summer programming, Art Studio Parties, and the annual MAC & Cheese Arts & Music Festival. The organization serves the Manhattan, KS metro area (population ~55,000) and the Kansas State University community, with 6 full-time staff, approximately 20 instructors, and a 16-18 member Board of Directors.

The underlying technology stack is entirely off-the-shelf and non-proprietary: the website is powered by Merlin CMS (developed by JNT Company, LLC), ticketing runs on Tix.com, class registration uses HiSawyer, and gift cards are sold through SquareUp. The organization meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards on its web properties. There is no proprietary software, no API surface, no mobile app, and no AI/ML tooling.

The revenue model is a hybrid of earned and contributed income typical of mid-sized US community arts centers. Earned revenue streams include ticket sales ($10 child/student, $15 military, $20 adult), arts education class fees, open studio fees ($5-$10 per session), and studio rental/party packages. Contributed revenue streams include a tiered "Friends of MAC" annual membership program (Individual $50, Family $85, up to Creative Placemaker $1,000+), a corporate sponsorship ladder ($500 to $5,000+ Season Sponsor), donations, and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, City of Manhattan, Kansas Department of Commerce, and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (which also holds MAC's endowment). Pricing is supported by a 10% military discount, youth scholarships of up to 60% off for free/reduced-lunch families, and a Volunteer Work Exchange program offering up to 50% off adult tuition. Go-to-market is community-led, driven by local word-of-mouth, the website, email communications, social media, local event attendance, and partnerships with Kansas State University and local businesses.

Name

ARTS Manhattan

Legal name

Manhattan Arts Center Inc.

Website

https://manhattanarts.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Manhattan Arts Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community arts organization in Manhattan, Kansas, operating a performance hall, two galleries, and studios that deliver Mainstage and Youth Theatre productions, arts education classes, contemporary art exhibitions, and community events to local residents and Kansas State University affiliates.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Arts and Performing Arts Center

NAICS

Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Fine Arts Schools (611610), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB), Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM), Performing Arts (Acting, Improv, Theater) (EDAAAGAE), Performing Arts Programs (Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theater) (EDAJAJAE), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)

Keywords

• Community arts center
• Live theatre productions
• Arts education classes
• Visual arts exhibitions
• Youth theatre programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Manhattan

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: The primary revenue stream comes from ticket sales for Mainstage Theatre productions and Youth Theatre performances. Ticket prices range from $10 for children/students to $20 for adults, with military discounts available. Season tickets are also offered.
2. Membership Program (Friends of MAC): Annual membership program with tiered levels: Individual ($50), Family ($85), MAC Hearts ($100-$249), Inspiration ($250-$499), Star Patron ($500-$999), and Creative Placemaker ($1,000+). Members receive benefits including early registration for classes, discounts on enrollments, and recognition.
3. Arts Education Classes: Revenue from visual arts, performing arts, ceramics, and theatre classes for children and adults. Pricing varies by class length and type. Family memberships offer 10% discounts on class enrollments.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Business sponsorship program with multiple tiers: Supporters Circle ($500), Directors Circle ($1,000), Producers Circle ($2,500), Benefactor's Circle ($3,500+), and Gold Star Circle/Season Sponsor ($5,000+). Sponsors receive recognition benefits including logo placement, complimentary tickets, and social media promotion.
5. Donations and Grants: The organization receives donations from community members through its Friends of MAC program, as well as grants from the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, City of Manhattan, KS Dept of Commerce, and other foundation support. Endowment funds are held at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.
6. Art Studio Parties and Rentals: Birthday parties and special occasion rentals of the art studio. The organization provides an art teacher, supplies, and themed projects. Additional revenue streams include open studio fees ($5-$10 per session) and workshop fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Manhattan Arts Center operates as a community arts organization delivering live theatrical performances, visual and performing arts education classes, contemporary art exhibitions, open studio access, and summer youth camps. The organization's core deliverables are Mainstage Theatre productions (5 per season), MACademy Youth Theatre programs, multi-discipline arts classes (ceramics, drawing, painting, dance, acting), gallery exhibitions by regional artists, and community events such as the annual MAC & Cheese Arts & Music Festival. Programming is supported by a tiered Friends of MAC membership program and corporate sponsorship packages.

Product overview

Manhattan Arts Center (MAC) is a community arts center in Manhattan, Kansas offering a comprehensive portfolio of arts programming. The organization operates as a unified arts venue with multiple interconnected programs: Main Stage Theatre productions and Youth Theatre (MACademy) form the core performing arts offerings, supplemented by Visual Arts Classes and Performing Arts Classes for education. The center features Exhibitions/Gallery spaces for contemporary art display, Open Studios for independent artists, and Camp MAC for youth summer programming. Additional offerings include Art Studio Parties, the annual MAC & Cheese Arts & Music Festival, Gift Cards, and Season Tickets. The Friends of MAC Membership program provides tiered supporter benefits. Together, these programs fulfill MAC's mission to 'Enrich the community through a variety of art experiences and education' under the Arts for All ethos.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mainstage Theatre Professional theatre productions featuring local and regional talent, presenting a mix of beloved classics, bold new works, and community favorites performed in a Mainstage series for the Manhattan, KS community.
• Youth Theatre (MACademy) Theatre education and productions for youth, including classes in fundamentals of acting, musical theatre, and youth productions performed by students in grades 1-9.
• Visual Arts Classes Art education offerings including ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, fused glass, metalsmithing, embroidery, and watercolor for all ages and skill levels.
• Performing Arts Classes Dance and theatre instruction including musical theatre jazz, ballet, tap, adult ballet, fundamentals of acting, youth and adult improv, and stage management.
• Exhibitions / Gallery Contemporary art exhibitions presented in two gallery spaces featuring rotating shows by local and regional artists, including solo and group exhibitions.
• Open Studios Supervised studio time for artists to work on various art projects in a supportive atmosphere, including 2D art studios, ceramics, and metalsmithing/glassworks studios.
• Camp MAC Summer arts camp for children offering Art Explorers and Clay Masters programs with full-day and half-day options.
• Art Studio Parties Birthday party and special occasion packages held in the MAC art studio, including art teacher, supplies, and themed projects for children.
• MAC & Cheese Arts & Music Festival Annual arts and music festival event featuring live performances, activities, and community celebration.
• Season Tickets Subscription packages offering the best seats and discounts for the Mainstage theatre season.
• Friends of MAC Membership Annual membership program with tiers (Individual $50, Family $85, MAC Hearts $100-$249, Inspiration $250-$499, Star Patron $500-$999, Creative Placemaker $1,000+) offering benefits including early registration, discounts, and recognition.
• Gift Cards Gift certificates available for purchase through SquareUp for donations toward MAC programs and classes.
• Corporate Sponsorship Program Annual corporate sponsorship packages for local businesses with tiered benefits including Supporters Circle ($500), Directors Circle ($1,000), Producers Circle ($2,500), Benefactor's Circle ($3,500+), and Gold Star Circle/Season Sponsor ($5,000+) with logo placement, complimentary tickets, and social media recognition.

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• B&C Dance CominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 August 2025Dance studio partner providing venue for Cosmos contemporary dance show auditions at Manhattan Town Center.
• Kansas State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong academic partnership evidenced by shared staff (K-State students serve as instructors and staff), venue partnerships for events (auditions at B&C Dance Co in Manhattan Town Center), and educational programming that serves the university community.
• Addair Law (Season Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason sponsor at Gold Star Circle level ($5,000+) providing theatre sponsorship. Receives color logo placement, exclusive show viewing, recognition during curtain announcements, and complimentary tickets.
• Anderson Knight Architects (Season Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason sponsor at Gold Star Circle level ($5,000+) providing theatre sponsorship with logo placement and recognition benefits.
• WTC Fiber (Season Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason sponsor at Gold Star Circle level ($5,000+) providing theatre sponsorship with logo placement and recognition benefits.
• Heritage Builders (Youth Theatre Partner)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerYouth theatre education sponsor providing support for MACademy programming with recognition benefits.
• JNT CompanycoreTechnology or IntegrationWebsite development and Merlin CMS provider powering the Manhattan Arts Center website. Partnership since at least 2024 based on footer credits.
• Tix.comcoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party ticketing platform used for online ticket sales for performances, season tickets, and show purchases.
• AHA! Manhattan (Arts and Humanities Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAC is a member of AHA! Manhattan, the Arts and Humanities Association of Manhattan, a collaborative arts organization serving the community.
• BHS ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting True Colors Mural project and youth theatre programming through Producers Circle sponsorship.
• Hy-VeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal grocery retailer supporting True Colors Mural project and gallery exhibitions as a community sponsor.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Peninsula Players Theatre: Door County, Wisconsin community-based professional theatre producing a summer season plus year-round outreach/education. Comparable as a regional professional theatre operating a modest staff supplemented by contract talent, with education and patron programs.
• Flat Rock Playhouse: Professional community theatre producing ~10 productions per season with strong educational programming. Directly comparable operating model: owned facility, season-ticket model, youth theatre, classes, and donor-driven nonprofit structure serving a small-to-mid community.
• Portland Stage Company: Maine-based LORT-D nonprofit regional theatre producing a multi-show season alongside extensive education and community engagement programming. Comparable in combining theatrical production with school-based and community arts education.
• The Barn Theatre: Small community summer theatre in Augusta, Michigan with professional productions and education programming. Directly comparable in scale - small staff, ticket-subsidy pricing, nonprofit community theatre model with youth and adult programming.
• American Stage (St. Petersburg, FL): Regional professional nonprofit theatre offering mainstage productions, education/outreach programs, and donor memberships. Comparable as a community-anchored professional theatre with annual seasons, classes, and tiered patron support.

Regional players

• Topeka Civic Theatre: Community theatre and performing arts organization serving Topeka, Kansas. Comparable as a Kansas-based nonprofit producing live theatre with community participation, education programming, and tiered patron support similar in scale and mission to MAC.
• Wichita Community Theatre: Community theater in Wichita, Kansas offering mainstage productions and youth/education programs. Same state, similar nonprofit community theater model, and overlapping regional funding landscape (KS Dept of Commerce, local arts councils).

Broad incumbents

• Kansas City Repertory Theatre: Larger LORT theatre operating in the Kansas City region with broad educational programming and university partnerships (notably UMKC). Comparable in mission and university-anchored operating model, but at substantially greater scale, serving as a broader incumbent in the Kansas arts landscape.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/manhattan-arts-center-inc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ARTS Manhattan