National
National Endowment for the Arts
Mission: The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $5 billion to strengthen the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts participation. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector.
Museums for All
Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 500 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card. Search the site to find a participating museum near you!
Local
Arts Council of Johnson County
Mission: The Arts Council of Johnson County enhances the quality of life in the community by strengthening the Arts.
Arts Council of Raytown
Mission: The Raytown Arts Council works to coordinate the efforts of community leaders, business interests, artist, civic organizations, and area schools. To bring to the Raytown community innovative opportunities to enjoy, appreciate, and participate in the creative arts. To bring performances of music, dance, and theatre to the Raytown community and arrange for an appropriate venue for the enjoyment of the visual and literary creative arts. To recognize and honor student and adult accomplishments in the creative arts. To support a comprehensive creative arts program as a fundamental element in the schools’ program of instruction. To provide continued support of creative arts events produced by schools in the C-2 District.
ArtsKC Regional Arts Council
Mission: The mission of ArtsKC is to unleash the power of the arts.
Bonner Springs Arts Alliance
Mission: The mission of the Bonner Springs Arts Alliance is to provide creative and artistic opportunities and education for all ages in the literary, performing, and visual arts, and to promote art appreciation and participation in the Bonner Springs community and surrounding area.
Charlotte Street Foundation
Charlotte Street envisions Kansas City as a dynamic home for artists of various career stages and disciplines to thrive, while serving as natural catalysts for an exciting, innovative, and culturally rich city. CSF identifies the needs and fuels the evolution of an ever-changing multidisciplinary arts ecosystem, acting as its primary provocateur. They cultivate the contemporary, the exceptional, and the unexpected in the practice of artists working in and engaging with the Kansas City art community.
Independence Arts Commissioner & Cultural Arts Commission
The purpose of the Commission is to plan, promote and encourage public awareness of, accessibility to, participation in, and support for the artistic and cultural development of the City of Independence; forge partnerships with private and/or public organizations in and around Jackson County to promote and support the visual arts; and serve as an advisory body to the Mayor and make recommendations to the City Council regarding the establishment and implementation of arts and cultural policies and programs.
InterUrban ArtHouse
Mission: The Mission of the InterUrban ArtHouse is to enrich the cultural and economic vibrancy of the community by creating a place where artists and creative industries can work and prosper in an affordable, sustainable and inclusive environment.
Kansas City Artists Coalition
The Kansas City Artists Coalition (KCAC) is a nonprofit organization that promotes visual arts awareness in Kansas City and the surrounding region, and supports the professional growth of artists.
Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants
KCVLAA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that provides legal and accounting assistance to qualifying artists and arts organizations from all creative disciplines. Our ArtSmarts program provides seminars in arts law to help artists avoid common pitfalls in their professional arts careers.
KC Northeast Arts
Mission: The Mission of Northeast Arts KC is to provide, enhance, fund, market and support cultural events which bring the visual and the performance arts to the public in the Historic Northeast community, without regard to race, religion or ethnic group. We create programs that beautify and increase the viability of the Historic Northeast. We inspire neighbors to infuse art into practical work and everyday living. We nurture appreciation of the arts within our own community.
Latino Arts Foundation
Latino Arts Foundation, Inc. is nonprofit organization created to bring forth the fiercely authentic voice of the underrepresented artists through their diverse stories, cultures and beliefs creating an artist based space OF their community FOR their community. The Latino Arts Foundation, Inc.is a safe space where we offer mentorship for children and adults whom have an interest in the arts. We are a safe, fun place where we strive for excellence in mentorship for all art genres.
Leawood Arts Council
Mission: The Leawood Arts Council is dedicated to establishing a unique artistic program that will enhance the cultural life of the City of Leawood and the citizens which its serves.
Lee’s Summit Arts Council
Mission: The Lee’s Summit Arts Council promotes, develops, strengthens and advocates for the arts in Lee’s Summit. The Council is recognized for its success in cultivating arts of excellence, enhancing the quality of life of our citizens, and advancing economic and arts development through the arts in Lee’s Summit. The Council will support and collaborate with Lee’s Summit arts organizations, artists, arts educators, and independent art programs to increase the public’s awareness, opportunities, and participation in the Arts. The Council identifies the cultural arts to include but does not limit it to, performing arts, music, visual arts, multimedia arts, literary arts, arts and crafts, folk art, and historic architecture/sites.
Lenexa Arts Council
Mission: The goal of the Lenexa Arts Council is to serve the community by stimulating an awareness in the arts for Lenexa residents. The council coordinates resources to develop, sustain and promote high-quality programs and events throughout the area.
Mid-America Arts Alliance
Mission: Mid-America Arts Alliance strengthens communities and improves lives through extraordinary cultural experiences. In partnership with the state art agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, M-AAA stretches the boundaries of the heartland to include national and international programs and arts activities.
Midwest Music Foundation
Midwest Music Foundation of Kansas City supports a healthy and vibrant music community in a thriving regional artistic economy. The goals are to strengthen musicians’ health through wellness services and health care grants, advance artists’ careers by providing performance and educational opportunities, provide access to growing network of industry professionals.
Missouri Arts Council
Mission: The Missouri Arts Council-as public leader, partner, and catalyst – is dedicated to broadening the appreciation and availability of the arts in the state and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy and cultural heritage.
Municipal Arts Commission, Kansas City
The Municipal Art Commission oversees the administration of the Kansas City One Percent for Art Program. Through the One Percent for Art Program, the mission of the Municipal Art Commission is to serve as a catalyst for artistic growth and aesthetic excellence in our communities, and in doing so, enhance the vitality of Kansas City and enrich the lives of our residents.
Office of Culture and Creative Services, Kansas City
The Office of Culture and Creative Services was initiated through recommendations provided as part of a recent report from the Mayor’s Task Force for the Arts. The Task Force for the Arts Cultural Planning Group was formed to develop a roadmap for City leaders to fully embrace and codify arts and culture in its operations, by providing specific strategies to support arts education, increase tourism, and leverage technology to benefit the arts.
Olathe Arts Alliance
Mission: The Olathe Arts Alliance supports the arts in Olathe by supporting and promoting our member organizations: Olathe Civic Band, Olathe Community Orchestra, Olathe Community Theatre Association, Olathe Visual Artists, Olathe Youth Symphony, and Trails West Barbershop Chorus.
Prairie Village Arts Council
Mission: The Prairie Village Arts Council is a volunteer committee of the City of Prairie Village, working with the Prairie Village Municipal Foundation to foster cultural awareness and development in the City of Prairie Village.
Roeland Park Arts Commission
Mission: The program, started in 2007, is a vision of the City which through the Arts Committee offers Art in public spaces for the community to enjoy.
To find arts and cultural events, organizations and venues offered across Kansas City’s metropolitan area, go to ArtsKCGo.com.
Artists, especially visual artists, watch out for Calls for Entry when looking for opportunities to exhibit their work. It is essentially a “Want Ad” for artists. The key phrase, “Call for Entry,” stands out to artists. It’s usually best to write it and send it out well before your event, so that you have a chance to review applications. Here’s some examples of calls for entry for artists: Call For Entry.org
Here’s an sample outline:
Call for Entry
[Type of Artist] Wanted for [Type of Opportunity ] Opportunity at [Building / Institution]
Theme:
Medium:
Content:
Event date/ Duration of project, etc:
Who:
Details:
Number of Artists Goal for Event:
Expected Audience:
Pay / Stipend:
Commission Note:
Entry Fee:
How to Apply:
Email up to 2 jpegs of sketches and past work, and contact information, to email address@gmail.com
Deadline:
Selected artist will be notified [by what date]
It could be sent in an email, on social media, or printed on a flyer. Send it to cultural organizations that list artist opportunities.
Here are some in the Kansas City area:
Organization / Association | Website | Type of Art related | State |
Accessible Arts/VSA Kansas, Inc. | http://www.accessiblearts.org/ | Arts Education | KS |
Art in the Loop Foundation | http://www.artintheloop.com/ | All | MO |
Artist, Inc. | http://www.artistinckc.com/ | All | MO |
Arts Council of Johnson County | http://www.artsjoco.org/ | All | KS |
Arts in Prison | http://www.artsinprison.org/ | Outreach/Interdisciplinary | KS |
ArtsTech | http://www.artstech-kc.org/ | Artistic/Technical Skill | MO |
Charlotte Street Foundation | http://www.charlottestreet.org/ | All | MO |
Fishtank Performance Studio | http://www.fishtanktheater.com/ | Visual/Performing Arts | MO |
InterUrban ArtHouse | http://www.interurbanarthouse.org/ | Arts Advocacy/Education | KS |
Kansas City Artists Coalition | http://www.kansascityartistscoalition.org/ | Visual | MO |
Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival, Inc. | http://www.kcchalkandwalk.org/ | Visual | MO |
Kansas City Film Fest | http://www.kcfilmfest.org/ | Visual | MO |
Kansas City Young Audiences | http://www.kcya.org/ | All | MO |
KC Clay Guild | http://kcclayguild.org/ | Ceramics | MO |
KC Fringe Festival | http://kcfringe.org/ | Performing/Visual | MO |
KCAI | http://www.kcai.edu/ | Visual | MO |
KCAI – Kansas City Art Institute Opportunities List | https://theoppslist.wordpress.com/ | Visual / All | MO |
KCAI – Kansas City Art Institute Opportunities List – to Post | http://kcai.edu/about/partnerships/partnership-form/ | Visual / All | MO |
KCMetropolis.org | http://kcmetropolis.org/ | Online Journal | MO |
Lee’s Summit Arts Council | http://www.lees-summit.mo.us | All | MO |
Mattie Rhodes Center | http://www.mattierhodes.org/ | Gallery/Exhibition Space | MO |
PLUG Projects | http://www.plugprojects.com/ | Visual | MO |
The Arts Asylum | http://www.theartsasylum.org/ | Studio Space / Visual | MO |
The Studios Inc | http://www.thestudiosinc.org/ | Visual | MO |
Vine Street Gallery or Gem Theater Cultural and Performing Arts Center | http://www.vinestreetsdesigns.com/ | Gallery/Exhibition Space | MO |
Crossroads Arts District, around 106 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO
Kansas City’s eclectic enclave of boutique shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, creative businesses, studios and art galleries. Open most business days, and First Friday evenings. On the First Friday of every month, thousands of residents and visitors fill the sidewalks of the Crossroads in Kansas City. Arts organizations, galleries, studios, and a wide variety of local businesses feature regional and national artists as well as live entertainment starting at 5 p.m. This is a great opportunity for artist and performers to gain valuable experience showing their talents in front of a crowd. http://kccrossroads.org
Englewood Station Arts District, around 11024 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO
Englewood Station is a place of charming shops, beauty-filled galleries, rich dining options, significant local history, and unique people. Located in Independence, Missouri. http://www.englewoodstation.com
Historic West Bottoms, around 1321 W 13th St #8, Kansas City, MO
The West Bottoms is an industrial area immediately to the west of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Antique shops, art galleries and restaurants are open every weekend. Haunted houses are open every fall. http://www.westbottoms.com
American Theatre Magazine
American Theatre is the national monthly magazine for the American professional not-for-profit theatre, informing readers about important work and significant issues affecting theatre art and practice. https://www.tcg.org/publications/index.cfm
BLOUIN ARTINFO
BLOUIN ARTINFO is the preeminent global source for up-to-the-minute news, information, and expert commentary on art, artists, and the business and pleasure of making, buying, and understanding art. http://www.blouinartinfo.com
Ink – Kansas City Culture & Entertainment
The definitive lifestyle and entertainment publication for locals. http://www.inkkc.com
Kansas City Stage Magazine
KC Stage Magazine is the most comprehensive resource of performing arts for the Kansas City metro area, covering theatre, dance, music, and independent film. The monthly print magazine and website provides event listings and articles about the performing arts and film industries in and around the Kansas City metro area, and occasionally items that are regional or national. There are over 200 arts organizations registered with KC Stage, from Lawrence to Warrensburg, including every level of expertise from educational to professional. https://www.facebook.com/KCStageMagazine/timeline
KC Live Arts
KC Live Arts highlights the best of Kansas City’s performing arts, offering last-minute ticket deals and providing insider information to keep you informed and local-scene savy! Theatre, Music, Dance, Opera…whatever your taste, KC Live Arts has the information you need to enjoy what’s happening in Kansas City. http://kclivearts.org
KC Metropolis
Kansas City’s Online Journal of the Arts. KCMetropolis.org’s mission is to promote traditional and new classical music, dance, theatre, independent film, jazz, world music and the visual arts. http://kcmetropolis.org
KC Studio Magazine
KC Studio is a unique lifestyle magazine that is anchored in the arts and culture. It features the visual, cinematic and performing arts as well as cultural events and lifestyle topics, such as dining and home improvement. Published six times a year, KC Studio examines the people that make Kansas City a vibrant arts and culture community. http://kcstudio.org
National Endowment for the Arts Publication Database
A comprehensive database of arts publications.http://arts.gov/publications
Philanthropy News Digest (PND)
Philanthropy News Digest (PND) a daily news service of the Foundation Center, is a compendium, in digest form, of philanthropy- related articles and features culled from print and electronic media outlets nationwide. http://philanthropynewsdigest.org
Publications About the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
These publications includes The Guide to the NEA, which presents information on programs and deadlines for grant applications. http://arts.gov/about/publications
The Pitch
Kansas City’s weekly alternative newspaper featuring news, arts, entertainment, reviews, and classifieds. http://www.pitch.com
The Wallace Foundation – Published Research & Resources
The Wallace Foundation provides information on research and resources about Building Audiences for the Arts and Arts Education.
Visit KC
Visit KC is an economic development organization dedicated to tourism. Our mission is to ignite global passion for visiting Kansas City. We do this through sales and marketing efforts to attract visitors and conventions to Kansas City. The website includes everything you need to know about what’s happening in Kansas City; an updated event calendar, advice on places to stay, where to eat, and what to do. https://www.visitkc.com
Associations and Organizations
College Art Association: The preeminent international leadership organization in the visual arts, promotes these arts and their understanding through advocacy, intellectual engagement, and a commitment to the diversity of practices and practitioners. They also operate the Committee on Women in the Arts, which promotes the scholarly study and recognition of women’s contributions to the visual arts and to critical and art-historical studies.
Feminist Art Project: An international collaborative initiative celebrating the Feminist Art Movement and the aesthetic, intellectual and political impact of women on the visual arts, art history and art practice, past and present.
National Museum of Women in the Arts: Founded in 1987, NMWA is the only major museum in the world solely dedicated to recognizing women’s creative contributions.
Women’s Caucus for Art: The mission of the Women’s Caucus for Art is to create community through art, education, and social activism. Learn more about the St. Louis Chapter.
Fellowships & Internships
Americans for the Arts: National internship postings in the arts and arts administration.
Kennedy Center Internship Program: For aspiring performing arts administration and management professionals.
Mellon Fellowship Programs: College undergraduate and graduate level fellowships administered or supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Smithsonian Institute of Fellowships and Internships: Internship and fellowship opportunities with the Smithsonian Museum System.
Looking for volunteer opportunities with local arts organizations? Below are links to the volunteer resources of many ArtsKC supported organizations and programs.
Kansas City Public Library – Community Resources
Coronavirus resources sheet is updated semimonthly. Full list of general, physical health, mental health, home, and other resources included. For more information, contact streetsheet@kclibrary.org. https://www.kclibrary.org/sites/default/files/2021-02-17StreetSheet.pdf
Rachelle’s “Self-Care and Resilience Practices” Resource Page
Use this resource to find a variety of ideas, applications, and practices for self-care that you can use at home. Self-care is a critical part of developing and sustaining resilience during challenging times in our lives. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F0T3uBmfe6C6Mv_O6JAdch5z4znTiAOy5RZ3h958tOI/edit?usp=sharing