The Lenexa Arts Council is a volunteer organization that was started in 1979 by a group of volunteers seeking to enrich children's arts experiences. In 1980 it became an official city supported board. The Arts Council is now under the auspices of Lenexa's Parks and Recreation Department. As the City of Lenexa grew, the Arts Council expanded and formalized its organization and mission. It operates with a budget that is part city-allocated, part fee-based. In the past two years, LAC has been able to expand its programs even more by winning grants from Kansas City Metropolitan philanthropic organizations.