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Englewood Arts Center boosts artists in Independence, and the community too

By Steve Kraske,

Published April 8, 2024 at 4:30 PM CDT

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The outside of the community arts center. — The Englewood Arts Center is located in Independence, MO.

While Englewood Arts offers classes in drawing, ceramics, and glass blowing, it isn't your typical arts center. It's also leading the way for affordable housing in Independence.

Englewood Arts in Independence broke ground in the spring of 2022 with $3 million in community fundraising. As a community-centric organization, it sought feedback to identify what types of art classes were most wanted there.

Now, the organization is also pioneering an affordable housing program in an effort to boost not only its artists, but the community as a whole.

“The housing initiative — while we’re excited to invite artists in — is really for anyone that’s interested in homeownership…that includes existing community members that are renting," said Michael Baxley, executive director of Englewood Arts.

Michael Baxley, executive director of Englewood Arts
Payton Koranek, artist resident at Englewood Arts
Marti Dodge, homeowner loan recipient and artist

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Up To Date Up to Date Podcast Arts & Culture Visual arts Art ceramics non-profits Nonprofits Independence affordable housing

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Gabby Martinez

Gabby Martinez is Up To Date's UMKC student intern for the 2024 spring semester. She is graduating from the University of Missouri - Kansas City in May 2024 with a major in strategic and professional communication. She is a big fan of traveling, pickles, and the color pink. You can reach her at gabby.martinez@kcur.org.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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