18th & Vine Arts Festival 2026: Visual Artist Application
Festival Dates: September 25–27, 2026
Location: Historic 18th & Vine District, Kansas City, MO
Theme: Neo-Soul Fusion – Where Music Meets Art
Festival Overview
Neo-Soul Fusion celebrates the rhythm of creativity — where sound meets color and style meets spirit. This year’s theme bridges the timeless soul of the past with the innovation of today’s artists, blending music, fashion, food, and visual art into one immersive experience in the heart of Kansas City.
Festival Storyline
2023: Afro-Futurism
2024: 70s Celebration
2025: Renaissance & Dandyism – Black Film Celebration
2026: Neo-Soul Fusion – Where Music Meets Art
Each year builds on the last, creating a living story of culture and creativity at 18th & Vine. The 2026 festival invites visual artists to transform the Vine District into an open-air gallery celebrating soulful expression, identity, and imagination.
Festival Weekend Overview
Friday – Fashion Meets Rhythm
Runway competitions, live DJ sets, and expressive style showcases.Saturday – Live on the Vine Music Competition
Kansas City’s top musicians perform and compete, surrounded by live painting and visual art.Sunday – Food Meets Soul
Battle of the Marching Bands, Culinary competitions, gospel performances, and community celebration.
Artist Prompt:
“Express fusion — how sound, art, food, and culture merge into something new.”
By exhibiting, you join a legacy of artists who bring the soul of Kansas City to life.
2026 Visual Artist Application
Overview
This application is for visual artists who will exhibit and sell their original artwork in a booth for all three days of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival.
All submissions are reviewed by the Artist Review Panel, and payment must be completed before an application will be reviewed.
Application Details
Application Fee (Pre-Sale): $30 (non-refundable) — valid through November 14, 2025
Standard Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable) — November 15, 2025 – July 15, 2026
Youth Artists (Ages 13–17): Application fee waived
Booth Fee: Free (no booth cost for approved visual artists)
Deadline: July 15, 2026 — 11:59 PM CST
Important: Applications will not be reviewed until the application fee is paid in full.
Note: If you are not a visual artist and plan to sell non-original or resale products, you must purchase a Sponsorship Package instead of submitting this form.
Eligibility
Open to visual artists working in any medium, including:
Painting, Drawing, Printmaking
Sculpture, Ceramics, Jewelry
Photography, Digital Art, Mixed Media
Installation and Experimental Visual Work
All artwork must be original and handcrafted by the applicant.
Required Information (Form Fields)
Personal Information
Full Legal Name
Artist or Business Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Mailing Address
Artist Details
Artist Website or Portfolio (URL)
Social Media Links (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.)
Medium of Art
Artist Statement (short paragraph describing your work and inspiration)
Accessibility Accommodations (optional – accommodations can be provided if indicated on this application)
You can upload your artwork here: https://www.18thandvineartsfestival.com/add-your-art