By Laura Spencer
Kansas City, MO – The results are in from a recent artists' town hall meeting where more than 100 artists gathered to talk about the future of the arts in Kansas City. KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.
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Artists from a variety of disciplines, including dance, music, and the visual arts, met at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center in the Crossroads in September. Organizers hoped to provide an opportunity for artists to meet and network and generate a list of priorities for the arts community. David Hughes, Director of the Charlotte Street Foundation, says the number one issue: It's hard to make a living as an artist in Kansas City.
David Hughes: "There are lots of elements to that related to grant opportunities, employment opportunities, tax breaks...but it's about money and trying to make a living."
Other top issues included: public advocacy, professional development, networking, and affordable housing, studios, and exhibit space. The town hall marked the first gathering for KC Artist LINC, a new initiative organized by the Charlotte Street Foundation and the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City. Four follow-up meetings are scheduled, including one tonight at the Arts Incubator in the Crossroads and Wednesday at the Kansas City Artists Coalition in the River Market. Laura Spencer, KCUR News.
Four follow-up meetings are scheduled for artists and and arts leaders: Arts Incubator, 115 W 18th, Mon, Dec 17th, 5:30 - 7p. Kansas City Artists Coalition, 201 Wyandotte, Wed, Dec 19th, 4 - 5:30p. la Esquina, 1000 W 25th, Tues, Jan 15th, 5:30 - 7p. Location TBD, Thurs, Jan 17th, 4 - 5:30p.