YOUTH ARTISTS SHOWCASE 2026
18th & Vine Arts Festival
September 25–27, 2026
Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
Kansas City, Missouri
SHOWCASE YOUR ART. SHARE YOUR CREATIVITY. INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY.
The 18th & Vine Arts Festival Foundation is proud to invite young artists to participate in the 2026 Youth Artists Showcase.
This special exhibition provides youth artists with the opportunity to display and sell their artwork during one of Kansas City's premier arts and culture festivals while gaining real-world experience in entrepreneurship, creativity, and community engagement.
Whether you paint, draw, create digital art, photography, mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, or other visual artwork, we want to celebrate your creativity.
NO APPLICATION FEE
FREE TO APPLY
Youth artists ages 8–17 may apply at no cost.
There is:
✅ No Application Fee
✅ No Booth Fee
✅ No Jury Fee
✅ No Sales Commission
Youth artists keep 100% of their artwork sales.
YOUTH ARTISTS SHOWCASE LOCATION
Selected youth artists will be featured in the festival's:
KIDS CREATIVE ZONE
The Kids Creative Zone is one of the festival's most popular family-focused areas and provides a dedicated space where youth artists can:
• Exhibit their artwork
• Sell artwork
• Meet festival attendees
• Gain confidence presenting their work
• Learn entrepreneurship skills
• Connect with professional artists
• Participate in creative activities throughout the weekend
WHO CAN APPLY?
Open to youth artists ages 8–17.
Eligible artwork includes:
🎨 Painting
✏ Drawing
📸 Photography
💻 Digital Art
🖼 Mixed Media
🏺 Sculpture
💎 Handmade Jewelry
🎭 Illustration
🎨 Experimental Artwork
All artwork must be created by the youth artist.
FESTIVAL THEME
NEO SOUL FUSION
Where Music Meets Art
Youth artists are encouraged to create artwork inspired by:
• Music
• Community
• Family
• Culture
• Creativity
• Identity
• The Historic 18th & Vine District
• The Neo Soul Fusion theme
Theme participation is encouraged but not required.
IMPORTANT PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
Parents or guardians are responsible for:
• Providing a tent or canopy (recommended)
• Providing tables and display equipment
• Assisting youth artists throughout the event
• Supervising youth participants
• Handling sales transactions
• Helping with setup and breakdown
Festival organizers will assign exhibit locations within the Kids Creative Zone.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Youth artists will have the opportunity to:
⭐ Showcase their talent
⭐ Sell original artwork
⭐ Build confidence
⭐ Learn entrepreneurship
⭐ Meet professional artists
⭐ Gain exposure
⭐ Engage with the community
⭐ Become part of Kansas City's creative future
APPLICATION DEADLINE
July 15, 2026
Applications will be reviewed by the Youth Artists Initiative Committee.
Space is limited.
APPLY TODAY
Help us celebrate the next generation of artists.
Youth Artist Application
FREE
September 25–27, 2026
Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District
Kansas City, Missouri