18th & Vine Arts Festival to host a weekend celebration of Black art
Photo Courtesy of 18th & Vine Art Festival
The second 18th & Vine Arts Festival is set to arrive in Kansas City from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29 to provide a weekend of art, music, food, and fun.
Located in the historic 18th & Vine District, the festival is a three-day celebration of black culture, history, and community. The festival will highlight over 90 artists, 20 food trucks, a variety of musicians, and more throughout the weekend.
Marquez “Quez” Beasley—director of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival—created the festival last year when he and his team noticed that KC needed an art festival geared towards Black artists.
Photo Courtesy of 18th & Vine Art Festival
“What’s most important is providing a space for black artists,” Beasley says. “I’m a big believer in pushing the dream. This started out as a dream for me and if I could do it, anybody can.”
Each day of the festival will feature a variety of events. Starting at 10 a.m. Friday, the weekend will kick off with a ’70s-themed fashion show curated by Next Paige Agency, where six local designers can show off their work on 25 models.
Meanwhile, Saturday will include a live music tribute to artists such as Aretha Franklin, Patty Lapel, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, and more. Lastly, Sunday will feature a special kids zone and a hair show to celebrate Black hair artistry, according to the press release.
“The festival is about the artists, but also the entertainment, from the hair to the music and the models, there’s something for everyone,” chief marketing officer Cedric Williams says.
In addition to providing a platform for Black artists, the 18th & Vine Arts Festival also works to spread mental health awareness and other resources.
“Through partnerships and programs, including art therapy sessions, the festival aims to provide much-needed services and break the stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community,” the press release says.
Photo Courtesy of 18th & Vine Art Festival
Beasley and Williams expressed their passion for the festival to provide resources to housing, business licenses, bank accounts, and more for Black artists in the Kansas City area.
“We’re working to make a more equitable space for artists year around,” Williams says. “From housing, supplies, funding, helping them with their LLC business license—We’re doing a full service wraparound for small black artists here in Kansas City.”
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival is also committed to offering free participation for artists without financial barriers. Purchased tickets directly contribute to the artists’ booth fees to ensure they can focus their time on displaying their art.
Those interested in attending the 18th & Vine Arts Festival can purchase tickets online. Each day costs $10 per day, and a weekend pass is $25 per person. More information can be found on the website.
