The 18th & Vine Arts Festival: Celebrating Black Artistry and a Groundbreaking Announcement
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, the 18th & Vine Arts Festival has become a cornerstone for celebrating Black artistry, history, and culture. From its inception, the festival has been a beacon of inspiration, a platform for voices often unheard, and a celebration of creativity that stretches the boundaries of imagination. This year, however, we are elated to announce a transformative change that promises to make the festival even more inclusive. Apply Now!
A Bold Step Forward
In a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering an equitable, inclusive, and vibrant platform for artists, we've taken the groundbreaking decision to waive the booth fee for this year's festival. By offering FREE booths to all visual artists participating, we aim to break down barriers, amplify diverse voices, and ensure that every artist, irrespective of their financial situation, can share their work with the wider community.
Why This Matters
Art is more than just aesthetics; it's a narrative, a voice, and a reflection of society. By eliminating booth fees, we're reaffirming our dedication to these narratives, especially those from Black artists that have historically faced systemic barriers. We believe that in doing so, more artists will be empowered to showcase their work, stories, and perspectives, contributing even more depth to the rich tapestry of culture our festival celebrates.
Gratitude to Our Pillars of Support
This monumental change would not have been feasible without our generous sponsors, who resonate with our mission and have continuously supported our cause:
TMC: Collaborating with distinguished presenting artists, Warren Harvey and Keno.
University Health: Demonstrating unwavering support with a sponsorship of $1000.
Hallmark Corporate Foundation: Their significant contribution of $5000 speaks volumes about their commitment to promoting cultural narratives.
JE Dunn Construction: Their contribution has further anchored our goals with a generous $2500.
Black Archives: Their monumental contribution of $10,000 remains instrumental in our endeavors.
The Soul of Santa “Do Good” Foundation: The spirit of community service and empowerment shines through their association.
Express Employment Professionals (Express Pros): Their alignment with our vision is evident in their enthusiastic partnership.
NTDF-City of KCMO: Their sponsorship, a testament to our shared values, elevates our mission with a whopping $17,500.
Arts Tech: Spearheaded by De Barker, their support, especially for our Sunday events, accentuates our festival's community-oriented vision.
Sophic Solutions, LLC: Their collaboration mirrors our shared vision of inclusivity and celebration.
KC Parks and Rec-Gregg Center: Their unwavering support and collaboration further our festival's diverse offerings.
In Conclusion
As we move forward, we are brimming with excitement and optimism. We envision the 18th & Vine Arts Festival as not just an event but a movement. A movement that celebrates, elevates, and amplifies the essence of Black artistry in Kansas City. And with these changes, we're one step closer to that vision.
With heartfelt gratitude and anticipation, The 18th and Vine Arts Festival Organizers.