COMMUNITY GALLERY PROGRAM
The ArtsKC Community Gallery Program empowers artists, arts organizations, and businesses to engage with the community and showcase art of any discipline through the shared use of our space in the Crossroads. We aim to amplify underrepresented voices, activate the gallery space during peak months of visibility, and support local artists and organizations.
APPLICATION INFOMATION
Application opens: January 7, 2025
Info Session Dates:
- In-person – 1/16/25: RSVP link coming soon
- Virtual – 1/28/25: RSVP link coming soon
Application deadline: February 18, 2025, 11:59pm
Program participant announcements: late March, 2025
All applicants must:
- -Live or be principally located in our five county region (Clay, Platte, or Jackson counties in MO; Johnson and Wyandotte in KS).
- -Be either an individual artist, a small group of artists, a 501c3 organization, or local business.
Special consideration will be given to applications that prioritize empowering underrepresented voices, connections between arts and health, accessibility, and/or arts education.
ArtsKC is looking to activate the gallery from May 2025 through November 2025. A standard activation is one month. Applicants can identify their availability in the application. See more information about the application in the “How to Apply” section below.
ArtsKC will charge $100 per month for use of the space. Payment will be due in advance of the event. An invoice will be sent up to one week prior to the start date of the activation. ArtsKC accepts payment in the form of check, credit card, or online payments. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we do not charge sales tax.
We will ask that the program participant pay for the following out-of-pocket expenses: the cost of personnel who will need to be on-site during any events, the cost of artist stipends and gallery curation, liability insurance for any public events.
A link to the application can be accessed here once the application opens on January 7, 2025.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee made up of ArtsKC staff, board members, and local guest curators. The committee will consider:
- -Empowerment of underrepresented voices
- -Activation of the space
- -Personal and Community Impact
- -Feasibility
- -Special consideration for projects that prioritize connections between arts and health, accessibility, and/or arts education.
To view the full evaluation criteria, click here.
Coming soon!
GALLERY & PROGRAM DETAILS
If hosting an event on a First Friday, you are expected to open the space to the public and interact with those who come in to view your exhibit/event. First Friday responsibilities include:
- -Monitoring your art in the space
- -Manage set-up of any vendors you’ve invited
- -Ensuring that the public is not entering the rear office space
- -Maintain accessibility standards
- -Removing trash before leaving
- -Locking up by 10pm (including garage door)
All artworks should be displayed professionally, with either frames, gallery-wrapped canvases, and/or pedestals when needed. We have a few pedestals available for 3D works.
The main gallery space is 34ft by 32ft, with additional space for tables or refreshment set up.
The main gallery is accessible by the front door, which contains a ramp, or by garage door, which also contains a ramp.
The gallery space will be preemptively reserved by ArtsKC each Tuesday and Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and will not be available for use at those times. It is understood that the space shall be shared with ArtsKC as needed, such as for Board Meetings and other ArtsKC events. Both parties shall coordinate times and respect each party’s needs.
Max capacity for the gallery is 200 people (standing room). The gallery can comfortably seat up to 60 people for lectures or presentations.
ArtsKC has various tables and chairs available for events. There are a few pedestals available as well.
A kitchen is accessible for use by the program participant, but is not open to the public.
You may sell alcohol if your organization or caterer provides a valid, on premises liquor license. You must follow city ordinances and regulations. If you do not hold a valid liquor license, you may serve alcohol but you may not sell it. ArtsKC does not hold a liquor license.
Equipment available includes a fixed projector, fixed projector screen, amp, and microphone.
The ArtsKC Gallery Space is NOT equipped for the following:
- -We do NOT have a fume hood or vents.
- -We do NOT have capacity for large machinery.
- -We CANNOT hang heavy objects from the ceiling
- -We are NOT well equipped for hybrid conference meetings.
All equipment and furniture must be returned in the same condition as they were in before the program. Equipment and furniture may not be removed from the building. ArtsKC reserves the right to charge a replacement fee for missing or damaged items.
The accessibility of our gallery space plays a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that all employees, visitors, and artists can navigate and utilize the facility with ease. One of the key features that enhances accessibility is the presence of ramps and wide doorways, which accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Additionally, our entire office and gallery space is situated on one floor, making it convenient for anyone who may have difficulty using stairs.
The ArtsKC gallery space also has the capacity to place clear, easily visible signs and other wayfinding tools. The space includes accessible restrooms that are equipped with support bars and ample space for wheelchair maneuverability. All of our common areas are totally accessible, and our team makes every effort to address accommodation needs as they arise, such as projecting data onto an overhead display for reading ability, and printing materials in accessible font sizes and colors. In an effort to remain current on accessibility needs, ArtsKC also leads the Accessible Arts of Greater Kansas City cohort, which facilitates workshops and resources for arts organizations in the greater Kansas City area. By incorporating these initiatives and thoughtful design elements, ArtsKC promotes an environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to display their best work.
ArtsKC gallery artists-in-residence should consider the following:
- -Show artworks at an accessible height (center of artwork at 53″)
- -Allow at least 4.25ft between furniture and other objects for people who may be using mobility equipment to move around easily and safely.
- -Provide resting possibilities: Set up chairs or benches where people can sit to engage with the work.
- -Have a comfortable, quiet room or area where people can sit and rest if tired or overwhelmed
- -Have large print versions (with size 18 font) of all print material available on request.
- -Artwork labels should be placed at an accessible height (3.6ft) and should be at least size 14 font.
- -If there will be flash photography or flashing lights at the exhibition or an accompanying event, make this clear on a sign at the entrance to the space.
- -Make it clear on your website and any other event listings what the accessibility and access provisions will be, and be as specific as possible
Below are some additional resources provided by partners of The Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility and VSA:
Since program participants will be in control of the space during the preparation time and during any events, ArtsKC is not liable or responsible in any way for any accidents or occurrences regarding your property, personnel or attendees at events. All liabilities and losses that may occur events are borne by the participant.
It is required that the program participant obtain event insurance for any event open to the public or that involves three or more people. The cost of event insurance can vary depending on the event. ArtsKC recommends checking with your own insurance, Eventsured, or Event Helper.
For public facing events, ArtsKC will provide some marketing support to promote your exhibit and/or event. We ask that you thoroughly communicate your requests, and provide substantial materials for our Marketing Team to work with. ArtsKC also recommends submitting event listings on ArtsKCGo.com.
“NAAAP-KC in partnership with ArtsKC launched a 5-month residency from May through September 2022 which served as a reclamation of identity and strength by allowing AAPIDA (Asian American Pacific Islander Desi American) artists and thought leaders to declare themselves with the statement of “I Am...” With an eclectic offering of visual art exhibits, performing arts salon nights, celebration of women and the LGBTQIA+ community, pop-up performances, professional development mixers, and community social events, the “I Am...” residency provided opportunities to over 100 visual artists, performers, and small business owners from the AAPIDA community. The residency served as a commons for dialogue and conversation on the incredible diversity of identity within the broad umbrella of what it means to be Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Desi American.”
Vi Tran
Curator & Event Manager
2022 NAAAP-KC Residency at
ArtsKC Gallery