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Youth Artists Initiative (YAI)

Presented by the 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation

A pathway for young creatives to learn, create, and grow through hands-on arts education, mentorship, and community engagement.

Summer 2026 Arts Program

The Youth Artists Initiative (YAI) is a free arts education and mentorship program designed to provide youth with consistent creative opportunities throughout the summer while preparing them for participation in the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival.

Through hands-on instruction, students work alongside professional artists, educators, and community mentors while exploring visual arts, public art, wearable art, creative entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling.

Program Schedule

Summer 2026 Sessions

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026

📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026

🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

📍 Keystone Community Corporation

800 E 18th St

Kansas City, MO 64108

⚠️ Advance registration is required. Space is limited.

In Partnership With ArtsTech

The Youth Artists Initiative is proud to partner with ArtsTech to provide youth with meaningful creative experiences, access to arts education, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to creative career pathways.

Together, we are creating opportunities for young artists to learn, create, collaborate, and showcase their talents within the Kansas City arts community.

Interested organizations and community partners are welcome to collaborate through volunteer opportunities, teaching artist support, mentorship, supplies, sponsorships, and youth engagement initiatives.

Summer Learning Tracks

July 2026

Clay Pot Creation & Plant Design

Functional Art & Creative Entrepreneurship

Students will learn:

• Hand-building clay techniques

• Pot shaping and sculpting

• Surface textures and decorative design

• Painting and finishing pottery

• Plant care and presentation

• How handmade artwork can become a sellable product

Students will create:

• Handmade clay plant pots

• Personalized pottery pieces

• Festival-ready artwork

• Entrepreneurial project presentations

August 2026

Tie-Dye & Wearable Art

Fashion, Color & Creative Branding

Students will learn:

• Tie-dye techniques

• Color theory and blending

• Fashion and wearable art concepts

• Pattern creation and design

• Personal branding through creativity

Students will create:

• Custom tie-dye shirts

• Wearable art projects

• Fashion showcase pieces

• Festival-ready creative work

This session will take place outdoors at Keystone, allowing students to fully engage in the creative process.

September 2026

Youth Festival Mural Project

Community Storytelling Through Public Art

Students will learn:

• Large-scale mural design

• Public art planning

• Team collaboration

• Community storytelling

• Creative leadership

Students will create:

• A collaborative mural project

• Public artwork displayed during the 18th & Vine Arts Festival

• Community-focused visual storytelling pieces

Students will continue developing the mural throughout festival season and participate in showcasing the final work during the 2026 18th & Vine Arts Festival.

A messy table covered with smudges and splatters of various colors of dried and wet paint, with open pots and plates of paint in shades of purple, red, orange, and yellow, along with paintbrushes and other art supplies.

Why YAI Matters

Many young creatives lack:

  • Access to consistent arts education

  • Mentorship from working artists

  • Safe spaces to explore identity and expression

  • Exposure to creative career pathways

YAI exists to help close those gaps by offering:

  • Structured, recurring learning opportunities

  • Positive creative environments

  • Cultural affirmation and storytelling

  • Early exposure to creative industries

Access, Safety & Inclusion

YAI is committed to:

  • Creating a welcoming, inclusive learning environment

  • Supporting students of diverse backgrounds and abilities

  • Working with schools, families, and community partners

  • Ensuring accessibility wherever possible

If your student requires accommodations, please contact us in advance.

Teaching Artists & Mentors

YAI is led by professional artists and educators who are:

  • Actively working in the Kansas City arts ecosystem

  • Experienced in youth instruction and mentorship

  • Grounded in cultural respect, wellness, and accessibility

Our instructors include:

  • Visual artists

  • Community muralists

  • Teaching artists

  • Creative professionals