Who Needs Art - A Thought Leadership Summit

Monday, May 4, 2026 / 10am - 3pm

UMKC Student Union, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, 64110

The ArtsKC Thought Leadership Series is an innovative initiative that fosters cross-sector collaboration to examine the transformative power of arts-integrated practices. The third annual summit aims to advance understanding and dialogue at the intersection of art and health to drive policy, elevate leadership, and prompt change in a measurable, equitable, and lasting manner.

The Kansas City Community NeuroArts Coalition

The Kansas City Coalition is one of three pilot communities working in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins International Arts + Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics and the Aspen Institute’s Health, Medicine & Society Program in support of the NeuroArts Blueprint. This national collaboration of thought leaders began with ArtsKC in May 2023. This Coalition is an inclusive cross-sector initiative springing from the strengths of the arts, culture, and heritage ecosystems long present in our communities. Please join us as we bring together the power of the arts and the imperative of individual and community well-being.

The summit will feature exemplar presentations from across the art + health ecosystem, including:

MK Sadiq

Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis

Sun Joo Lee

PhD, MT-BC, NMT

Tremble Clefs & Shine Your Light

GK Callahan

MFA

University of Missouri Extension

Elena Stephenson

MA

University of Missouri Extension

Susan Harp

E-CYT 500

Soundbath Experience

Jon Tyler Mark

MSC, QEEG-D, BCN, NMI2

Connect Neurofeedback & Counseling

Piper Hutson

EdD

Arts and Health Specialist

Justin Fowler

Art as Mentorship

Thought Leadership Summit - RSVP

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