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