Policy Alert: Federal Grant Freeze and Reversal – What You Need to Know
Late Monday night (1/27/2025), the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a directive temporarily pausing the obligation and disbursement of federal grants and loans. This pause impacted thousands of federally funded programs, including those supporting the arts, such as: -National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) -National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) -Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) The freeze temporarily halted the distribution of funds and the issuance of new grants while agencies reviewed their programs for compliance with recent executive orders and White House policy goals. This announcement created widespread concern and uncertainty among grant recipients nationwide. What’s the Latest? On Wednesday, after significant backlash and advocacy efforts from affected sectors, the OMB rescinded its directive, allowing federal agencies to resume disbursing funds and processing grants as originally intended. What This Means for the Arts While this decision restores access to critical funding, the sudden policy shift highlights the vulnerability of federal support for the arts. The swift reversal of this decision demonstrates the power of advocacy and outreach from supporters of the arts and other impacted sectors, reinforcing the importance of collective action in protecting vital federal funding. We will continue to monitor for any further developments. Our Next Steps ArtsKC remains in communication with Americans for the Arts, the NEA, the Missouri Arts Council, and the Kansas Arts Commission to ensure clarity and stability for arts funding. We are also continuing conversations with federal leaders to share the concerns of our region’s arts, culture, and heritage sector about the ramifications of such administrative decisions. How You Can Help -Stay engaged by following our updates on arts funding policy. -Advocate for the arts by reminding policymakers of the essential role federal funding plays in supporting vibrant, creative communities. You can view ArtsKC’s dedicated resources for sharing the story of the impact of the arts via our Regional Arts Impact Dashboard and other advocacy resource pages. -Join us at Missouri Arts Advocacy Day 2025 on February 5, 2025, hosted by Missouri Citizens for the Arts. Register for free, roundtrip transportation provided by ArtsKC here. This incident underscores the importance of stable, full funding for the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and all agencies that invest in arts, culture, and humanities nationwide. We remain committed to advocating for long-term security in federal arts funding and will keep you informed as more details emerge.
ArtsKC will join a cohort of 200 nonprofit cultural organizations from across the U.S. and U.K. to improve essential digital infrastructure
Kansas City Region (January 3rd, 2025) – ArtsKC—Regional Arts Council is proud to announce that it has been selected to join the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program. This initiative helps cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. to strengthen technology and management practices to improve operations, drive revenue, increase fundraising, engage broader audiences, and deliver dynamic programming. ArtsKC is the first organization in Missouri to participate in this program, and one of 200 nonprofit cultural organizations accepted into Bloomberg Philanthropies’ new Digital Accelerator Program cohort, spanning artistic disciplines and organization size in 52 U.S. cities and 28 U.K. cities. “We are honored to be a part of this transformational program; it reflects ArtsKC’s strong dedication to delivering innovative solutions for regional arts and culture organizations and artists. This is a significant milestone for our organization, as it helps us upgrade our data management systems and allows us to make an even greater positive impact in the community,” said ArtsKC CEO, Dana Knapp. Over the past three years, the Digital Accelerator Program has been a catalyst for strengthening nearly 150 cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. To date, the 40 institutions that were part of the first cohort cumulatively grew an additional $20 million in new revenue including through fundraising, reached over 1 million new audience members, and engaged more than 4,000 new artists and partners. About Bloomberg Philanthropies: Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X. For more information and interview requests, please contact Natalia Herrera, Director of Marketing and Communications at ArtsKC, at communications@artskc.org
ArtsKC Awards $215,000 in Mission Support Grants to Multi-year Recipients
KANSAS CITY, MO ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council is thrilled to announce this year’s Mission Support Grant recipients. Designed to support the missions of regional arts nonprofits, Mission Support Grants offer unrestricted awards of $5,000. ArtsKC began offering these grants in a multi-year model that provides two years of funding. This year, 18 organizations started the two-year funding cycle and 22 received their second award, totaling $215,000 of investment. These organizations were selected based on their community impact, as well as their artistic and programmatic excellence and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. In this round, 94% of recipients were diverse-led organizations that received additional funding to support their work. “We are excited to support these exceptional arts organizations through our grantmaking program,” said ArtsKC Senior Manager, Grants, Tara Karaim. “The work of these organizations perfectly embodies our mission, and we look forward to the continued growth and success of the arts in our city.” These organizations were selected by a committee of local artists and community members, led by ArtsKC board members Chris Migneron and Tim Marchesi. Learn more about these organizations on our website. The grant recipients for Mission Grant Support FY25 include: A-Flat Music Studio Inc. Allegro Choirs of Kansas City Art As Mentorship, Inc. The Arts Asylum ArtsTech Base Academy of Music Creative Emajinations Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City Area Youth Jazz, Inc. Kansas City Public Theatre Kansas City Young Audiences No Divide KC Owen/Cox Dance Group plug Inc. The Reel images Film & Video Group Social Symphony of Kansas City The DynamitExperience Youth Chorus of Kansas City For more information about our grantmaking program and this year’s recipients, please visit artskc.org.
ArtsKC Awards $42,000 in Inspiration Grants to 12 Regional Artists
KANSAS CITY, MO ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council is proud to announce the recipients of the first round of Inspiration Grants for the 2024-2025 funding cycle. In this round, 12 talented artists from various disciplines have been selected to receive grants totaling $42,000 in funding. Each local grantee will receive $3,500 to support their artistic projects. The Inspiration Grant program, established by ArtsKC in 2007, provides project grants for individual artists or small groups of artists. The grants support ambitious projects that involve risk, growth, and change for the artist and/or projects that make a positive impact on the community. This year’s grantees were chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, representing diverse artistic disciplines, including dance, literature, poetry, fashion, film, multidisciplinary, music, theatre, visual, and others. “We are thrilled to award these grants to such an impressive group of artists,” said ArtsKC Senior Manager of Grants, Tara Karaim. “By investing in artists, we empower individuals to express their creativity and foster vibrant cultural exchanges that enrich our society. We are proud to support their efforts and are eager to see the lasting impact they will have on our city.” A committee of local artists and community members, led by ArtsKC board members Nicole Miller and David Moore, reviewed submissions and made selections based on the artists’ application materials. Learn more about the artists and their projects on our website. This year’s Inspiration Grant recipients include: Amaranthine Artist (Allison Bowman), Prairie In The Parks: Sticker Vending Machine Caleb Taylor, …and their shadows’ Camry Ivory, Color Tones Creative Pathways, LLC (Kaley Wajcman) , Art 4 All: Art Making for All Abilities Elaine Elizabeth Clifford, Mother of Monsters Hadiza., Album Recording, Travel to International Residency, & Local KC Outdoor Community Activation Event Hugo Juarez-Avalos, Look At Me: Kansas City’s Guide to Drag Scene Melinda Hedgecorth, Ida y Vuelta: Flamenco Music and Dance “borrowed” songs from Mexico and Cuba Nasir Anthony Montalvo, {B/qKC}: Parkin’ Lot Pimpin’ Ryan Davis, Brass & Boujee 2 – the Sequel to the U.S.A.’s first all original music Big Band Hip Hop album Taylar Sanders, “Deconstructed” – Solo Exhibition Yunfei Li, Lullabies & Little Ears: A Chamber Music Concert for Babies and Moms ArtsKC congratulates these outstanding artists and looks forward to the contributions they will make to the Kansas City arts community through their creative endeavors. Learn more about ArtsKC’s grant programs. Images courtesy of Inspiration Grant recipients Caleb Taylor and Ryan Davis
10 Reasons to Support the Arts in the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area in 2024
The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They ennoble and inspire us—fostering creativity, empathy, and beauty. The arts also strengthen our communities socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even during a pandemic that has been devastating to the arts. The following 10 reasons show why an investment in artists, creative workers, and arts organizations is vital to the nation’s post-pandemic healing and recovery. Arts unify communities. 72% of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity” and 73% agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better”—a perspective observed across all demographic and economic categories. Arts improve individual well-being. 81% of the population says the arts are a “positive experience in a troubled world,” 69% of the population believe the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences,” and 73% feel the arts give them “pure pleasure to experience and participate in.” Arts strengthen the economy. The nation’s arts and culture sector—nonprofit, commercial, education—is a $1.02 trillion industry that supports 4.9 million jobs (2021). That is 4.4% of the nation’s economy. In Missouri, arts and culture is a $11 billion industry—3.1% of the state economy—and supports 89,146 jobs (bigger than utilities, education, and agriculture). The arts accelerate economic recovery: a growth in arts employment has a positive and causal effect on overall employment. (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis). Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area’s nonprofit arts industry alone generates $615.2 million in economic activity—spending by organizations and their audiences—which supports 8,977 jobs and generates $97.5 million in local, state, and federal government revenue (2022). Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses. The 4.5 million attendees at Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area’s nonprofit arts and culture events spend an average of $37.06 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, and lodging—vital income for local businesses. 13% of attendees live outside of the 5-county region (Clay, Jackson, and Platte Counties in Missouri; Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas counties); they average $60.37 in event-related spending. Arts travelers are ideal tourists, staying longer and spending more to seek out authentic cultural experiences. Arts improve academic performance. Students engaged in arts learning have higher GPAs, standardized test scores, and college-going rates as well as lower drop-out rates. These academic benefits are reaped by students across all socio-economic strata. Yet the Department of Education reports that access to arts education for students of color is significantly lower than for their white peers. 91% of Americans believe that arts are part of a well-rounded K-12 education. Arts spark creativity and innovation. Creativity is among the top five applied skills sought by business leaders—per the Conference Board’s Ready to Innovate report—with 72% saying creativity is of “high importance” when hiring. Research on creativity shows that Nobel laureates in the sciences are 17 times more likely to be actively engaged as an arts maker than other scientists. Arts have social impact. University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher child welfare, and lower poverty rates. Arts improve healthcare. Nearly one-half of the nation’s healthcare institutions provide arts programming for patients, families, and even staff. 78% deliver these programs because of their healing benefits to patients—shorter hospital stays, better pain management, and less medication. Arts for the health and well-being of our military. The arts heal the mental, physical, and moral injuries of war for military servicemembers and Veterans, who rank the creative arts therapies in the top four (out of 40) interventions and treatments. Across the military continuum, the arts promote resilience during pre-deployment, deployment, and the reintegration of military servicemembers, Veterans, their families, and caregivers into communities. Arts Strengthen Mental Health. The arts are an effective resource in reducing depression and anxiety and increasing life satisfaction. Just 30 minutes of active arts activities daily can combat the ill effects of isolation and loneliness associated with COVID-19. This content was prepared by Americans for the Arts.
ArtsKC and The Kansas City Sports Commission Unveil the Garmin KC Marathon 2024 Commemorative Poster
Kansas City, MO—ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council, an art nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing lives through the arts, and the Garmin Kansas City Marathon, one of the largest and most popular road races in the Midwest, are thrilled to announce the release of their third annual commemorative event poster. The Kansas City Sports Commission, organizer of the Garmin Kansas City Marathon, commissioned one regional visual artist to create an original 2D artwork that will become part of the KC Sports Commission’s private collection. This original design was also used to produce a limited run of commemorative posters, available for sale to race participants and the public. ArtsKC led the call for artists process and supported the Kansas City Sports Commission team in selecting a final design. “The Garmin Kansas City Marathon is excited to once again partner with ArtsKC on our 2024 commemorative poster, showcasing the talent of a local artist,” says Elliott Scott, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Kansas City Sports Commission. “We want to thank ArtsKC for facilitating the process and being a leader in our Kansas City arts community.” The 2024 Garmin Marathon commemorative poster showcases the unique talent of local artist Jasmine Ali, whose work captures the energy of the runners participating in this iconic event and the energy celebrated in the city. This year’s winner design highlights the theme “Made in Kansas City” with the artists’ interpretation of the KC Marathon’s vision language, Community, DEI, Sportsmanship, and Dedication, with bright, vivid colors that symbolize the passion of the art sector and the athletes. “We are excited to continue our partnership with the Garmin Kansas City Marathon for the third year, highlighting the incredible talent of local artists and the impact of the arts on our community,” said Anna Fiorella, Sr. Manager, Business Engagement at ArtsKC. “This intersection reminds us that when we support the art sector, we create a dynamic, inclusive, and thriving society.” Race participants who pre-ordered the 2024 poster on the Garmin Kansas City website should pick up their poster at the ArtsKC Booth during packet pick up at the Health and Fitness Expo Event. Supporters and the general public can also purchase this year’s poster as well as 2022 and 2023 commemorative posters at the Health and Fitness Expo Event at Union Station, October 17th & 18th. More information about ArtsKC including details about our services and programs can be found on our website, www.artskc.org.
ArtsKC Announces 2025-2026 Recipients of The Teri Rogers Film Grants for Filmmakers and Screenwriting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ArtsKC, in partnership with the Kansas City Film Office, announces the 2025-2026 Recipients of the Teri Rogers Film Grants for Filmmakers and Screenwriters. Kansas City, MO – ArtsKC, in partnership with the Kansas City Film Office, announces the talented recipients of the Teri Rogers Film Grants. These grants were created in honor of the late Teri Rogers, a woman who dedicated her life to uplifting women creatives in Kansas City. “We are thrilled to support these talented filmmakers and screenwriters through the Teri Rogers Film Grants,” said Dana Knapp, CEO of ArtsKC. “Investing in diverse and creative voices not only enriches the Kansas City arts community but also serves as a testament to Teri Rogers’s legacy of uplifting women and fostering a thriving, inclusive environment for artists.” The Teri Rogers Film Grants are divided into two categories: the Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants and the Teri Rogers Screenwriting Award. The Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants offer two $10,000 grants, each including membership to Film Independent, a subscription to Movie Maker Magazine, and mentorship opportunities with professionals in the field. These grants are specifically designed for early-career directors creating new film, video, and digital production work in the short narrative genre (non-documentary). The purpose of these grants is to support ambitious projects that involve risk, growth, and change for the filmmaker, while also making a positive impact on the community. This funding is intended to support either the production (filming) or post-production process. One grant is awarded to a self-identifying woman and/or gender-nonconforming filmmaker, and the other grant is open to all genders. In addition to the Filmmakers Grants, the Teri Rogers Screenwriting Award provides one $1,000 grant for a full feature or pilot script, further promoting and encouraging the development of diverse and compelling stories. This year’s Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants and Teri Rogers Screenwriting Award recipients represent the immense creative potential of filmmakers in Kansas City and the surrounding region. We are proud to announce the following talented individuals who were chosen for their exceptional storytelling abilities, creativity, and potential to create meaningful impact through their work. We are honored to contribute to the growth and success of these talented filmmakers through this grant program. Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants Grantees Taylor Gilbert’s short, “God’s Plains,” follows a closeted teen runaway as they escape a sexually coercive encounter when an openly queer man in rural Kansas offers him an unexpected way home. Filmmakers Barry Wilson and Jamie Addison of Wilson Art and Video received a grant for their short film, “We Need to Talk.” This film delves into the story of a middle-aged Black Woman who hires an escort to get a form of intimacy she can’t get at home from her husband. However, the escort arrives and provides a service she’s not expecting. The Teri Rogers Screenwriting Award Grantee Jeffrey Field’s script, “Waiting Games,” is about a charismatic liar who peddles bogus stories to strangers in hospital waiting rooms and tries to help a grieving young mother cope with the loss of her twin toddlers. Finalists for the Screenwriting Award include: Rick Lucas for the script “Targets” and John Ingle for the script “The Lamb.” The recipients of the Teri Rogers Film Grants were selected through a rigorous process involving a panel of industry experts and ArtsKC board members. This year’s grant review panel for the Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants included Committee Chair (ArtsKC Board Member): Julia Robinson, Chief Client Officer, Trozzolo, and Committee Advisor Rachel Kephart, Kansas City Film Commissioner. Supported by committee members: Michelle Davidson – FILM IN MO Board Member and Inclusivity Media founder Eva Louise Hall – Director, Screenwriter, Assistant Professor and Chair of Animation at KCAI Khitam Jabr – Filmmaker Jor-El Washington – Producer Jon Niccum – Writer and Producer Mel Sangyi Zhao – Filmmaker Steph Shannon – Director of Major Giving, Kansas City PBS. For the Teri Rogers Screenwriting Award the committee included the following: Committee Chair (ArtsKC Board Member): Julie Robinson, Chief Client Officer, Trozzolo, and Committee Advisor: Rachel Kephart, Kansas City Film Commissioner Committee members: Trai Cartwright – Screenwriter, Producer, Professor Bryan Colley – Playwright Morgan Dameron – Screenwriter & Professor Dani Milton – Filmmaker Vy Nguyen – Writer, Director, Photographer, KC Art Department ArtsKC aims to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive film community by investing in emerging talent. For more information about the Teri Rogers Film Grants, visit artskc.org.
ArtsKC Hosts Luncheon with Renowned Soprano to Discuss Intersection of Art and Health
KANSAS CITY, MO ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council hosted a luncheon featuring the renowned Soprano, Arts and Health Advocate, Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor, and NeuroArts Blueprint Co-Chair Renée Fleming. Fleming, a Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health for the World Health Organization, is widely recognized for her extraordinary talent and commitment to advancing the connection between arts, health, and well-being through support and advocacy. During the luncheon, Renée shared valuable insights into the benefits of art therapy and arts and health research. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the positive impact that artistic endeavors can have on individuals and communities alike. In addition, our Kansas City Community NeuroArts Coalition members: Courtney Crappel, Dean of the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music; Andrea Dalton, Music Therapist and director of the Center for Trauma-Informed Innovation at University Health; and Enrique Chi, Executive and Artistic Director of Art as Mentorship, provided updates on the local advancements at the intersection of art and health within their respective sectors. Their contributions emphasized the progress being made and the potential for further growth in this important field in our region. “This event was a fantastic opportunity for Renée to connect with our Kansas City Community NeuroArts Coalition members who are leading initiatives about the intersection of art and health,” said Dana Knapp, CEO at ArtsKC. “We were honored to have Renée Fleming share her insights and support of research and practice at the intersection of music, health, and neuroscience.” As the event came to a close, Christopher Bailey, the World Health Organization’s Arts and Health Lead, delivered an inspirational speech that left a lasting impression on all who attended. His words reinforced the significance of the work done by organizations like ours and highlighted the opportunities for continued progress and impact in the realm of arts and health. We closed the event with a live performance by former students from the local art organization Harmony Project KC, showcasing the vibrant talent within the community. The event provided a platform for artists, health practitioners, and business leaders to forge new connections, share best practices, and identify potential collaborations aimed at promoting arts-based wellness initiatives. As a driving force behind arts advocacy and the intersection of art, health, and wellness, ArtsKC continues to create opportunities for meaningful dialogue on the impact of art.
Groundbreaking Study Reveals Economic and Social Impact of $615 Million from the Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector throughout Greater Kansas City
ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council, is proud to announce that the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Greater Kansas City generated a staggering $615,192,367 in economic activity in 2023, as revealed by the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study conducted by Americans for the Arts. This data underscores the crucial role of nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas, contributing significantly to our region’s vibrancy and economic vitality and directly impacting our local communities. The economic impact of the arts in the KC Metro showcased impactful figures that continue to demonstrate how the arts play a bigger role in our society, economy, and culture. This data demonstrates the need for our artists and arts organizations to ‘sit at the table’ with community leaders and to ensure arts and culture are integral to community and economic development conversations. This study provides a factual, direct way to solidify the importance of arts and culture in our region, enhancing their role in substantively addressing key opportunities, challenges, and topics present in our community. “The arts create jobs, enhance tourism, advance education, attract investment in our region, and play a role in the health and wellness of our society; the economic impact of arts and culture is powerful,” said Dana Knapp, President and CEO of ArtsKC. “This data continues to showcase the value of the arts. Our mission at ArtsKC is to advance lives through the arts and leading this important study is only one way we elevate and advocate for the arts and culture ecosystem in Kansas City.” The stats below represent data from 279 organizations from five counties in the Greater KC Metro area (Wyandotte, Johnson, Jackson, Platte, and Clay). The following are just some of the results reported for area nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences: Engaging over 4.5 million attendees annually, the sector plays a pivotal role in our local economy. The nonprofit arts and culture industry generates annually $179.9 million in event-related spending by its audiences, an 86% increase from 2015 (up from $96.6 Million) The typical attendee spends $37.06 per person per event, not including the cost of admission. 88.8% of respondents agreed that the activity or venue they attended was “a source of neighborhood pride for the community.” 85% said they would “feel a sense of loss if that activity or venue was no longer available.” State-wide, the nonprofit arts and culture sector is an $11 billion industry in Missouri and a $4 billion industry in Kansas. This staggering number outperforms more conventional players like utilities, agriculture, and mining when it comes to the Gross State Product (GSP). The arts quietly but significantly shape the economic scene, showing they’re a formidable force in our financial landscape. “Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.” ArtsKC also recently unveiled its Regional Arts Impact Dashboard, a new tool providing a comprehensive view of the social and economic impact of our region’s nonprofit arts sector, along with key societal and community demographics. Featuring arts asset maps, social impact stories, findings from 2023’s Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study, and more, this tool presents a cohesive story of the arts in our region. It is free for the community to utilize.
ArtsKC Announces Pilot Launch of The Drop
ArtsKC—Regional Arts Council announces the pilot of The Drop, a regional arts & culture access program designed to break down the barriers to participation for individuals who do not typically participate or have been excluded from experiencing the arts. With support from the Marion & Henry Bloch Family Foundation, The Drop reduces the cost of participation, enlists community-based organizations to serve as outreach partners, and provides know-before-you-go information to establish familiarity, all creating a stronger sense of belonging toward a wide variety of events offered by the Kansas City arts & culture community. During the pilot phase of the program, participating Arts & Culture Organizations will offer various Drop member benefits: $10 tickets to performances, exhibitions, and events, free parking vouchers, or concession discounts. Pilot Drop Membership Cards will be distributed by 11 community service organizations we have identified as Community Ambassadors. They will provide outreach and promotion for the program, inviting those they serve to join The Drop. To ensure there is no financial burden for arts organizations, ArtsKC covers 100% of the discounts offered by The Drop. In short, we’re making a difference by paying the difference. ArtsKC is thrilled to launch the pilot phase of this transformative program. We look forward to working with our initial partners and members as we continue learning how to remove barriers and advance access to the arts for all. Participating arts & culture organizations at the launch of the pilot phase of The Drop: Ensemble Ibérica Heart of America Shakespeare Festival ICE Studios School of Dance Kansas City Repertory Theatre KC Melting Pot Theatre Lyric Opera of Kansas City Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Spinning Tree Theatre Starlight Theatre The National WWI Museum & Memorial The Drop officially “drops” after the new year in 2024.