Excitement Builds for the Upcoming 18th and Vine Arts Festival Celebrating Black Artists in Kansas City

Excitement Grows for the 18th and Vine Arts Festival in Kansas City!

This September, Kansas City is buzzing with artistry, creativity, and culture. With events like Art Westport and the Plaza Art Fair just wrapping up, there’s still one more festival on the horizon that promises to celebrate and uplift Black artists across the metro area. Mark your calendars for the 18th and Vine Arts Festival, taking place from September 27 to 29!

What to Expect at 18th and Vine Arts Festival

Now in its second year, the festival is all set to expand, featuring over 90 talented artists displaying stunning paintings, intricate sculptures, unique jewelry, and much more. Marquez Beasley, one of the event organizers, expressed enthusiasm for the 2024 event, anticipating even more excitement than last year.

Creating an Equitable Space for Artists

The 18th and Vine Arts Festival isn’t just another event for art lovers; it’s an initiative built with a profound purpose. With the primary goal of creating an equitable space for Black artists in Kansas City, marketing manager Cedric Williams noted how the festival aims to provide essential support that many artists may lack. For artists attending, the festival helps them set up their LLCs with the talent agency The Next Paige, establish business bank accounts, and boost their online sales. This support system is incredibly meaningful for local artists who might not have the financial means to secure booths at other local fairs.

Affordable Opportunities for Local Creatives

It’s not just about providing a platform; the 18th and Vine Arts Festival is accessible too! Artists only incur a modest $25 application fee to showcase their work. The affordability has proven effective, as many artists often sell out their stock long before the weekend wraps up! Beasley and Williams emphasize the importance of seeing art that resonates with them and reflects their experiences, something they noticed was often missing in other local art events.

A Celebration of Culture and Entertainment

In addition to the fantastic displays of artistry, festival-goers can look forward to a weekend filled with vibrant entertainment. Kicking things off on Friday, a dazzling fashion show will pay homage to the iconic style of the ‘70s. On Saturday, local Black musicians will grace the stage to honor legends like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Finally, on Sunday, the spotlight shines on family-friendly events that celebrate the beauty and artistry of Black hair. It’s a weekend that promises to be entertaining for everyone!

Festival Details

The festival will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, located near The Paseo from 17th Street to Truman Road. Tickets are affordable too! You can grab single-day tickets for $10 or a weekend pass for $20 through the festival’s website. If you happen to wait until you arrive at the gate, tickets will cost $15 for one day and $30 for the entire weekend. The revenue collected will contribute to compensating the talented singers, dancers, and performers who create such a lively atmosphere!

A Promising Future

With a vision for longevity, Beasley enthusiastically stated, “We plan to be around forever.” The festival aims to preserve the rich history of the 18th and Vine area and the contributions of Black artists, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from this vibrant cultural legacy.

Kansas City, mark your calendars! The 18th and Vine Arts Festival is poised to be a splendid event celebrating artistry, culture, and community!