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 INFORMATION

timeline & deadlines

Application opens: January 7, 2025

Info Session Dates:

Application deadline: February 18, 2025, 11:59pm

Program participant announcements: late March, 2025

eligibility

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.

pricing

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.

Application

To download a Word document of this application for reference, click here

 

Community Gallery Program Application FY25

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Which category do you or your organization fall into?(Required)

Consider the following: What are your goals? How will you activate the space? (First Fridays, workshops, events, etc.) How will this benefit you/your organization/the broader community? Are you prioritizing empowering underrepresented voices, connections between arts and health, accessibility, or arts education? How so? Who else is involved? How will you market your activation of the space to the public? Where applicable, include details on how many pieces will be included, technology needs and gallery layout needs (wall space only, pedestals, furniture, etc.) (Max. 600 words)
Max. 250 words
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 512 MB, Max. files: 3.
    Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 512 MB.
      Follow this outline using information from your application: Your name/organization, type of art, what you plan to do, why, with whom, and how.
      Drop files here or
      Max. file size: 512 MB, Max. files: 3.
        By uploading this image, you grant ArtsKC permission to use it publicly on social media and other promotional items. Images of the work itself, or of you working on the project in your studio or other creative space are best. You can include images that are already included in this application. In this case, please upload it again. Please do not use images that have large amounts of text or writing, as text-based images are inaccessible for Screen Readers and other accessibility tools.

        The following section is optional.

        One of the many well-recognized benefits of the arts is their power to bring together people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities and socio-economic circumstances. As part of our commitment to be more equitable, and to evaluate our outreach efforts as we strive to be a model of equity, we are gathering specific information from our applicants. The following questions are intended to help us learn more about the artists that reach out to us, and are OPTIONAL. Answers to these questions are private and are not shared with the general public. Answers to these questions do not influence the outcome of your application. If you are applying on behalf of a small group of artists, choose answers that represent yourself. If you prefer not to answer these questions, scroll to the bottom of the application to submit.
        Age range
        Gender (check all that apply). If you chose Other / Prefer to self describe, please write in the next box.
        Do you consider yourself to be Transgender?
        Ethnicity (check all that apply). If you chose Other, please write in the next box.
        Veteran status
        Of the options below, how do you identify?
        This is a voluntary self-identification of disability.
        Sexual Orientation

        evaluation

        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.

        selection COMMITTEE

        ArtsKC staff evaluation committee members: 

        Tara Karaim, Senior Manager, Grants, ArtsKC

        Anna Fiorella, Senior Manager, Business Engagement, ArtsKC

        Sarah Brewer, Manager, Marketing & Communications, ArtsKC

        Carter Bryant, Associate, ArtsKC Programs

        Amanda Arany, General Manager, Programs & Services, ArtsKC

        Melonnie Walker, Manager, Leadership Engagement & DEI+A Initiatives

         

        Michael Toombs, artist and founder/CEO of Storytellers Inc., Artist Collective. | ArtsKC Community Gallery Board Committee Chair

        Jose Faus, visual artist, performer, writer, independent teacher/mentor | Guest Juror

        If you have questions or seek assistance, please reach out to gallery@artskc.org

        GALLERY & PROGRAM DETAILS

        first friday expectations

        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.

         

        Click here for the gallery floor plan.

        facilities and restrictions

        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.

        accessibility

        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:

        Accessibility Toolkit for Art Spaces

        How To Put On An Accessible Exhibition

        liability insurance

        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.

        Marketing

        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

        IMAGE GALLERY