New Art Podcast “Art Bytes” Launches at Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City

Exciting Launch of a New Art Podcast in Kansas City

Kansas City, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene, has recently welcomed an exciting addition to its audio landscape. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has launched a new podcast series called Art Bytes, aimed at all art enthusiasts and anyone eager to learn more about the fascinating world of art.

The Concept Behind Art Bytes

The Art Bytes podcast is hosted by Kathleen Leighton, the Media Relations & Productions Manager at the Nelson-Atkins. This audio series was born out of Leighton’s desire to engage diverse audiences and provide a relaxed space for conversations about art. “It’s been a great experience to have access to interesting people and bridging that gap so people can learn more about art, about the museum, about different topics,” says Leighton. With its first five episodes released on October 4, each episode runs for about 20 minutes and showcases different guests who share their insights on art, discuss their creative processes, and unravel stories tied to the museum’s collection.

A Different Flavor of Art Discussions

Unlike the museum’s previous podcast, A Frame of Mind, which delves into the history of the museum itself, Art Bytes offers a more casual approach. It features conversations with artists, collectors, curators, and other art enthusiasts, giving listeners a delightful opportunity to hear interesting stories and conversations directly from the mouths of those involved in the art world. Leighton’s vision for the podcast is clear: “What I’m looking for are interesting stories and interesting conversations, and the best people to tell those stories.”

Star-Studded Guests

One of the standout episodes features none other than comedian and art collector Cheech Marin, who is famously recognized for his act with Cheech and Chong. During his visit to the Nelson-Atkins for the exhibit “A Layered Presence / Una presencia estratificada,” Marin shared his journey into the realm of art collecting. He recalled how his love for art ignited at just 10 years old when he was assigned an art-related project in school. Marin reflected, “What they instilled in me at that point was to go to museums, actually see paintings in person because you have to see paintings in person,” highlighting the importance of experiencing art up close.

A Vision for Engaging Audiences

The spark for the podcast ignited last year when museum leaders began brainstorming creative ways to draw in various audiences. Leighton pitched her idea for the podcast to Julián Zugazagoitia, the Director & CEO of the Nelson-Atkins, and received enthusiastic support. “I told Julián it would be a very casual, organic conversation with someone,” she explains. The podcast promises a peek into the everyday lives of individuals connected to the museum, giving listeners another way to interact with art.

What’s Next for Art Bytes?

Looking ahead, listeners can anticipate more engaging episodes, scheduled to release on the first Friday of each month, featuring a diverse list of guests. Recent episodes include curator Aimee Marcereau DeGalan, art therapist Sherri Jacobs, and Venezuelan artist Elias Crespin, among others. This variety ensures that there is something for everyone, no matter where their art interests lie. Leighton is particularly excited about future guests, exclaiming, “We have a lot of exciting people coming through here. To have a quick conversation with them that we can share with others, I think that’s absolutely fantastic.”

Where to Listen

For those eager to tune in and enjoy these conversations, Art Bytes can be found on popular audio streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Audible. Additionally, the Nelson-Atkins YouTube channel will feature selected video versions, allowing fans to experience these dialogues in a visual format.

To sum it up, the launch of Art Bytes is an exciting development in Kansas City’s cultural scene, offering a fresh and personable approach to exploring art and its myriad stories. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious, this podcast is sure to bring a smile and a dose of inspiration to your day.