Creative Kansan- Sarah VanLanduyt

Tanner Colvin
May 4
2 min read

Sarah VanLanduyt is a Kansas-based arts leader and advocate dedicated to strengthening creative communities across the state. A Topeka native, she serves as Executive Director of the Arts Council of Johnson County, where she works at the intersection of nonprofits, government, and artists to support and grow a vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem. In this role, she focuses on identifying community needs, advancing policy, and developing initiatives that expand access to the arts.

In addition to her leadership in Johnson County, Sarah plays a key role at the statewide level. She is a commissioner for the Kansas Arts Commission and serves as board chair of the Kansas Arts Network, a nonprofit focused on advocating for public investment in the arts. Through these roles, she collaborates with legislators, civic leaders, and creative professionals to strengthen funding, build connections, and amplify the impact of the arts across Kansas.

Sarah’s path into the arts is rooted in her background in history and museum studies. She began her career working in local history and cultural institutions, where she developed a passion for storytelling and community identity. That foundation continues to shape her work today, as she champions artists as storytellers who reflect and enrich the communities they serve.

Known for her collaborative approach, Sarah is deeply committed to building networks that empower artists and organizations alike. Whether she’s helping pilot new initiatives, advocating at the statehouse, or connecting leaders across communities, her work reflects a belief that the arts are not a luxury—but an essential part of a thriving, connected, and resilient Kansas.