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.
We are excited to announce our featured artists and organizations for 2025:
May: Maranda OrthJune: Adriana Paez & Toni GatesJuly: Gracie CaggianoAugust: Katheryn KrouseSeptember: Melinda Hedgecorth & Jose FausOctober: ArtsKC Now Showing Showcase
November: Taylar Sanders
November: Taylar Sanders
APPLICATION INFORMATION
- Application opens: October 1, 2025
- Info Session Dates:
- In-person – 11/13/25 – 6pm, more info coming soon
- Virtual – 12/5/25 – 12pm, more info coming soon
- Application deadline: December 17, 2025, 11:45pm
- Program participant announcements: February, 2026
ArtsKC is looking to activate the gallery from May 2025 through November 2025 (excluding June and July because of FIFA World Cup programming). 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.
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.
- -Past participants may reapply with new artwork and programming
Special consideration will be given to applications that prioritize empowering underrepresented voices, connections between arts and health, and/or accessibility.
ArtsKC is looking to activate the gallery from May 2025 through November 2025 (excluding June and July because of FIFA World Cup programming). 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 participation in the program. 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.
ArtsKC does not charge a commission on any sales of artwork, tickets, etc.
Applications are submitted online using the ArtsKC Grant System.
If you have not applied before, when you go to the ArtsKC Grant System, click on the “Create New Account” button, and follow the directions there. If you are a new user but your organization has applied for ArtsKC funding before, email gallery@artskc.org to help set up your user profile.
If you have applied before, log in to your existing account in the ArtsKC Grant System and click on the “Apply” link to start a new application. Use the “Forgot Your Password?” link if you don’t remember what your password is. When you return to work on a saved application, be sure to look for your previously started form!
*Note: The online grants system is compatible with screen reading systems, but does not have an in-application screen-reader.
A word document version of the application is available below – however, applications must be submitted online via the link above to be considered.
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, and/or accessibility.
The full evaluation criteria are available at this link.
The 2026 Committee Listing is coming soon!
2025 Committee:
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
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 weekday from 8 am to 5 pm (Monday through Friday during September-May, and Monday through Thursday during June-August) 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 permit any use of chemicals/solvents/adhesives etc.
- -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.
- ArtsKC will provide some marketing support to promote your exhibit and/or events. ArtsKC will announce each featured artist(s) on social media. Beyond that, marketing support will be as capacity allows.
- We ask that you thoroughly communicate your marketing requests, and provide substantial materials for our Marketing Team to work with.
- ArtsKC encourages featured artists to create their own marketing plan and not rely solely on ArtsKC for marketing support.
- ArtsKC also recommends submitting event listings on ArtsKCGo.com.
"Participating in the Community Gallery Program allowed me to present my first immersive solo exhibit, Yucky Ducky, in a space that truly embraced creativity and accessibility. The opportunity to showcase my work in a public-facing, community-centered gallery gave me the confidence to push my concepts further, experiment with new formats, and take creative risks, like large-scale installations and interactive elements—that I hadn’t had the resources or platform for before. This exhibit helped deepen my connection with the local creative community, particularly among younger and emerging artists who identified with the playful yet emotionally resonant themes in my work. I’ve had countless meaningful conversations with visitors who felt seen, inspired, or comforted by the exhibit. That kind of response has made me even more committed to creating work that is both conceptually rich and accessible to broad audiences. Overall, the program reinforced my belief in the power of public art and community engagement and has already opened doors for future collaborative and site-specific projects."
Maranda Orth of Gimmie MO
Featured Artist: May, 2025
at ArtsKC Gallery