Two Lawrence arts organizations are among 11 awarded Strategic Investment and Arts Integration grants this year from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, the commission announced Tuesday.

Van Go Inc. will get $5,000 to hire a wood shop instructor to introduce the use of new materials and teach new technical and artistic skills to students through its Jobs in the Arts Makes Sense program. Busker Festival Inc. will get $5,000 to hire a part-time marketing coordinator and develop a strategy for growing its audience.

According to a news release, commission programs are designed to recognize the important role art plays in sustaining cultural and economic vibrancy in Kansas.