About the 18th & Vine Art Festival Foundation
Celebrating Art, Empowering Communities, Uplifting Voices.
Who We Are
Founded to create equitable opportunities for Black artists and creatives, the 18th & Vine Art Festival Foundation is more than an event—it’s a movement. Rooted in Kansas City's rich cultural heritage, we are dedicated to showcasing diverse talent, providing vital resources, and fostering meaningful connections between artists and the community. The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all artists, attendees, and community members. We ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of our events and programs.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Guiding Principles
Mission: At the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation, our mission is to center, celebrate, and empower Black artists by offering platforms, resources, and support essential for their success. Through our programs, we nurture the whole artist—providing access to creative opportunities, mental health and wellness resources, professional development, and community connections. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we strive to build an equitable and inclusive arts ecosystem that supports Black artists personally and professionally.
Vision: We envision a thriving future where Black artists are fully supported in their creative and personal endeavors. We aim to transform Kansas City’s arts landscape into a hub where equity, creativity, and holistic well-being are celebrated and prioritized by fostering an inclusive arts community, providing sustained advocacy, and creating collaborative opportunities.
Equity
Breaking down systemic barriers to ensure fair opportunities for Black artists to thrive.
Holistic Support
Nurturing the whole artist by addressing mental, emotional, and physical health alongside creative needs.
Community
Building strong relationships that foster collaboration and mutual support among artists and the Kansas City community.
Creativity
Honoring and uplifting the unique talents and cultural contributions of Black artists.
Values
Sustainability
Equipping artists with the tools and resources to create long-term success in their careers and communities.
Our Programs
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Annual Festival
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival celebrates Black art and culture by providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, connect with peers, and honor the transformative power of creativity. This three-day event draws a global audience to Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District, featuring music, dance, visual art, literature, fashion, digital media, and film.
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Conference
Our annual Arts Conference brings together artists, cultural leaders, educators, and community advocates for professional development, mental health resources, and transformative dialogue. Through workshops, networking sessions, and mentorship, artists gain the tools they need to advance their careers and create lasting community impact.
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Artist Advocacy Program
Our Artist Advocacy Program connects Black artists to resources that help build sustainable creative careers, including:
Business Development: LLC formation, grant writing, licensing guidance
Financial Literacy: Budgeting, taxes, and banking tools tailored for artists
Health & Wellness: Access to mental health and holistic wellness support
Housing Resources: Partnerships for stable and affordable artist housing
Legal Assistance: Copyright, IP protection, and contract support
Networking: Workshops, mentorship, and ecosystem-building events
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Artist-in-Residency Program
Our residency program provides Black artists with time, creative space, and support to explore new work in a community-centered environment. Residents receive paid creative gigs, mentorship, and opportunities to exhibit work while engaging with the history and culture of 18th & Vine.
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Artist Awards Program
The Artist Awards Program celebrates outstanding Black artists whose talent and cultural impact inspire the community. Selected through community vote, awardees receive recognition, showcase opportunities, and continued support toward their artistic goals.
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Creative Pathways KC
Building future leaders in Kansas City’s creative economy.
Creative Pathways KC provides hands-on training, mentorship, and career exposure across creative industries, including film, digital media, visual arts, stage production, and design. Participants gain real-world experience through apprenticeship opportunities, workshops, and paid creative assignments.
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Art of Wellness Workshops
Where creativity meets community health.
These workshops promote mental, physical, and emotional wellness through nutrition education, expressive arts, healthy cooking demonstrations, and culturally resonant wellness sessions. Offered in partnership with local health organizations, these events help community members nourish both body and spirit.
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Arts & Humanities Enrichment Program
Connecting students to culture, history, and creativity.
In partnership with Kansas City Public Schools and charter schools, this program provides out-of-school and summer learning experiences that explore the artistic and cultural legacy of 18th & Vine. Students engage through storytelling, music, visual art, literature, museum visits, and hands-on creative projects.
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Youth Apprenticeships & Artist Development
Creating pathways for rising young artists.
Our apprenticeship program prepares youth for careers in creative fields through paid mentorship, skill-building workshops, and real industry experience in festival operations, culinary arts, digital media, stage production, music, and more.
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Artist Resource Center (ARC)
Year-round hub for creative support — coming soon.
The ARC is our upcoming dedicated space designed to support artists with development, collaboration, and wellness resources rooted in public benefit. It will offer:
Creative workspace & collaboration zones
Artist coaching & professional development
Media lab & digital production tools
Wellness & mental health integrations
Grant, residency, and career opportunity access
Training in creative entrepreneurship
The ARC will be a beacon of artist empowerment in the historic 18th & Vine District.
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Marquez "Quez" Beasley
Executive Director/Founder
Quez Beasley is a visionary leader and community advocate. As the Founder and Executive Director of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation, Quez has elevated Kansas City’s cultural landscape, creating a platform that supports over 90 artists annually and attracts more than 8,000 attendees. With a background in cultural programming, event management, and community engagement, Quez is passionate about fostering equity and celebrating the richness of Black artistry.
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Moon Brown
Board Member
Moon Brown is a Black queer activist, poet, and healer dedicated to equity and inclusion. As the founder of Zekes Freedom Foundation and Black Pockets, Moon works tirelessly to provide transformative justice and wellness programs for Black LGBTQ+ communities. Moon’s leadership on Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ Commission and other advocacy boards reflects their commitment to creating spaces of healing and empowerment.
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J. LeRoy Beasley
Board Member
As an accomplished artist and co-founder of Honee Babee Art Studio, J. LeRoy Beasley brings his expertise in painting, sculpting, and creative direction to the foundation. Passionate about inspiring creativity and engaging the community, J. LeRoy’s contributions celebrate the transformative power of art and education. -
Monica Bonds
Board Member
Monica Bonds, a seasoned tax accountant and owner of ThoroAccount, LLC, specializes in tax compliance and strategic financial planning. With extensive experience in corporate and nonprofit financial management, Monica ensures fiscal accountability and supports the foundation’s financial sustainability, making her a key asset to the board.
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Representative Michael Johnson
Board Member
Representative Michael Johnson serves Missouri’s Jackson County (District 23) in the Missouri House of Representatives. With a legacy of public service inspired by his family, Johnson advocates for community empowerment as Vice Chair of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus. A U.S. Army veteran and entrepreneur, he brings a wealth of leadership experience and community focus to the foundation.
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Shawn Hughes
Board Member
Shawn Hughes, a lifelong Kansas City resident and history graduate, is dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods and preserving cultural heritage. Currently working with the City of Kansas City, Shawn’s passion for community development and charitable service strengthens the foundation’s mission of empowering artists and communities. -
Alfred Harris
Board Member
With over 30 years of financial management experience, Alfred Harris is a seasoned professional committed to operational excellence. As the Assistant Finance Manager for the 18th & Vine Arts Festival, Alfred oversees budgeting and financial planning, ensuring the foundation’s programs achieve their goals and serve the community effectively.
“The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 93-4681914. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.”