RSVP for a Historic Celebration
Kansas City Honors the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation
📍 Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 2:00 PM
📍 City Hall – 26th Floor, Council Chambers
Be part of a moment that celebrates culture, legacy, and the future of Black artistry in Kansas City.
This Special Action, presented by Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley, officially honors the impact of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival and recognizes the work of artists, organizers, and visionaries who are redefining what’s possible in our city.
Whether you're an artist, supporter, community advocate, or creative, your presence sends a message: Art matters. Culture matters. We matter.
Why This Matters
On May 22nd, the City of Kansas City will officially honor the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation with a Special Action at City Hall — a powerful recognition of our impact on the city’s cultural identity, economy, and national visibility. This is not just a moment of celebration — it’s a moment of validation for a movement that uplifts Black creativity, empowers artists, and breathes new life into the historic 18th & Vine District.
We’re inviting artists, culture workers, business owners, educators, local officials, students, sponsors, media, and supporters to RSVP and attend this landmark occasion.
About the 18th & Vine Arts Festival
Founded by Marquez “Quez” Beasley, the 18th & Vine Arts Festival is Kansas City’s premier celebration of Black art, culture, and heritage. Since its inception, it has evolved into a nationally recognized multi-day event that draws 10,000+ attendees annually and showcases over 100 Black and Brown artists across:
🎨 Visual Arts
🎬 Film & Digital Media
🎶 Music & Dance
📝 Literary Arts
💃🏾 Fashion & Design
🎤 Spoken Word & Theater
Held in the heart of the legendary 18th & Vine District, the festival connects past, present, and future — blending jazz heritage with modern creative expression. Each year, it honors trailblazers, launches emerging talent, and sparks critical conversations about equity in the arts.
A Few Reasons We're Being Honored
Cultural Leadership: We are becoming one of the Midwest's most influential arts platforms for Black creatives.
Youth Empowerment: We offer mentorship, youth showcases, and hands-on creative experiences for students.
Economic Development: We help artists sell work, businesses gain exposure, and vendors earn real revenue.
National Attention: Our visual identity, themes (like this year’s “Celebrating Black Cinema”), and viral campaigns have helped elevate KC nationally.
Equity Advocacy: We’ve created a stage for underrepresented artists while pushing for more investment in Black-led institutions.
Why You Should Be There
✅ Support the movement that’s shifting the arts scene in KC.
✅ Stand with city leaders in affirming the value of Black arts.
✅ Get inspired by what’s possible when community and culture intersect.
✅ Network with artists, organizations, media, and influencers shaping KC’s creative future.
✅ Be part of history — and help build what’s next.
