18th & Vine Arts Conference 2025
Scaling Creativity. Building Legacy.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 |
Keystone CoLAB |
$10 (includes lunch)
An interactive learning experience for artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
The 18th & Vine Arts Conference brings together Kansas City’s creative minds for a day of inspiration, strategy, and connection. Designed to help artists and small business owners grow sustainable careers, this event blends storytelling, education, and networking into one powerful experience.
About the Conference
The 18th & Vine Arts Conference is a TED Talk–style experience where every speaker brings lived experience and actionable insight.
Throughout the day, you’ll hear from local leaders and national voices across art, business, and civic innovation. Each session includes time for questions and conversation, so you can engage directly and walk away with strategies you can use immediately.
You’ll gain tools to:
Scale your artistry or organization
Access grant funding and business support
Strengthen your brand and digital presence
Build strategic partnerships and collaborations
Prioritize your mental health as a creative
Connect with other artists and community builders
Lunch is included. Insight is guaranteed.
Conference Schedule
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch & Welcome
Lunch served at 12:30 PM
Welcome by Quez Beasley, Director of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Mayor Quinton Lucas
Kansas City’s Commitment to the Arts: Building A Creative Future
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Nia Richardson
Assistant Director, Neighborhood Services Department, City of Kansas City, Missouri
Inclusive entrepreneurship and small business access
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
Tara Karaim – ArtsKC
Senior Manager of Grants and Community Gallery at ArtsKC
Funding opportunities and regional artist support
2:50 PM – 3:10 PM
Michael Toombs
Artist, educator, and founder of Storytellers Inc.
Community art, murals, and cultural storytelling
3:10 PM – 3:20 PM
Break – Stretch, Connect, and Refresh
3:20 PM – 3:40 PM
Celia Ruiz
Certified Bilingual Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Prioritizing mental health in the creative community
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
Carol Taylor
President and Owner, A Clean Slate LLC
Execution: strategic planning for entrepreneurs
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Karis Harrington – Kansas City G.I.F.T.
Chief Operating Officer, Kansas City G.I.F.T.
Financial readiness and strategic partnerships for Black creatives
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Cedric Williams – Evolving Digital Media
Founder and CEO, Evolving Digital Media
Marketing for artists and creatives: brand building, social media strategy, and visibility tools
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Closing Mixer + Resource Q&A
Open networking, speaker follow-ups, and next-step connections
Get Involved
Want to attend, volunteer, or partner with the 18th & Vine Arts Conference?
Fill out our interest form or reach out to our team for more information.
