New Arts Campus in the Works as Kane County Center for the Arts and Kanab City Seal the Deal
Kanab City has signed a contract with the Kane County Center for the Arts (KCCA), officially setting the stage—literally—for a full-fledged arts campus on a piece of prime downtown property.
The land, located on 100 E between the Kanab City Library and the SC Broadband building, will be held for the KCCA for up to five years, giving the newly formed nonprofit time to demonstrate progress on planning and financing the project. Kanab City crews and volunteers have already cleared brush and debris from the site, revealing a blank canvas full of creative potential.
According to co-founders Mariah Wheeler and Johnathan Kerr, the idea for the KCCA sprouted from their involvement in the Kanab High School theatre program, where both had kids participating and discovered a shared passion for the arts. What started as a volunteer-run group quickly turned into a serious effort, with the launch of the “Canyons Calling” concert series in 2024, and now this ambitious campus plan.
“This isn’t just an arts center—it’s an arts campus,” Kerr emphasized. “We’re hoping to include multiple buildings, from classrooms and studios to a gallery and performance space. It’ll be a place where lots of groups can feel like it’s theirs, a hub for culture and creativity.”
The property even includes the old power building, which Wheeler says brings historical and nostalgic value. “It fits our mission to preserve something cultural. We’re excited about finding the best way to integrate it into the campus.”
Plans are still in the early stages, but the vision includes:
- A black box theater or performance space
- A main building for exhibitions and gatherings
- Office and studio spaces for classes like pottery and other creative endeavors
- Classroom and meeting space for educational partnerships
The KCCA is currently consulting with three architectural firms, focusing on keeping funds local and gathering community input. They’re coordinating with the Symphony of the Canyons, the school district, and the city’s arts board to ensure collaboration—not competition.
This summer’s Canyons Calling concert series will be hosted at Jacob Hamblin Park, with a nod toward the future home of the arts. “We’re bringing it closer to home,” Kerr said.
Public engagement is a big part of the plan. KCCA holds monthly board meetings—open to the community—on the second Friday of each month at 3 PM in the Kanab City Library’s general room. Locals are encouraged to follow along and contribute ideas as this exciting vision comes to life.
For more information and updates, visit kanecountyarts.org or follow Kane County Arts on Facebook and Instagram.
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