HISTORY PROJECT
The Artists Coalition is respected nationally as the most vital alternative exhibition space in the area. The Artists Coalition continues to be the primary support for beginning and emerging artists, for artists who do not create commercially viable artwork, and independent artists. Send us your information on your exhibitions and experiences with the Kansas City Artists Coalition. Send us specific information with dates, jurors, curators, reviews, etc. (Please do not send images at this time.) The information will be complied for publication in print and online.
HISTORY MISSION
The Artists Coalition was created to change the lives of artists living in Kansas City, Missouri. Its mission is to promote visual arts awareness in Kansas City and the surrounding region, and support the professional growth of artists. The Artists Coalition is an artist-run, artist-centered organization.
On March 5, 1975 a large group of artists gathered in the studio of local artists Philomene Bennett and Lou Marak to address "How the Artist Can Benefit from Centralization." Overwhelmingly the group felt a self-initiated organization was the only alternative to isolation, elitism, apathy, and ignorance. The ultimate result of that meeting was the incorporation of the Kansas City Artist Coalition in August 1976.
HISTORY GOALS
The initial goal was to create a strong voice for the concerns of artists. In the mid-seventies Kansas City offered few opportunities, local artists were not taken very seriously and the few local galleries showed the art of artists living elsewhere. The Artists Coalition lobbied for professional venues for local artists and mounted exhibitions in empty commercial spaces.
The Artists Coalition has since expanded goals to: foster a climate which encourages innovation and creativity amongst artists, utilize the collective initiative and creativity of artists for their own benefit, provide a forum for contemporary visual arts through Its galleries and publications, champion the work of local artists and increase the viability of Kansas City as a place for artists to live and work, spread the word about the vitality of the arts in Kansas City, Missouri and the region, encourage artists to go forward with their ambitious and innovative ideas, seek out peers and mentors in the artists communities across the United States and the world, support artists' work financially, and promote the exchange of ideas.
EXHIBITIONS
In 1983 the Artists Coalition opened Kansas City’s first alternative gallery. Today exhibitions continue to be the main focus of its programming offering the community an opportunity to view and learn about contemporary art and artists. The Artists Coalition has been in its present location since 1986 and has 3,000 sq. feet of exhibition space in three galleries. The Artists Coalition focuses primarily on new and emerging artists' work with a special emphasis placed on showing artists from a six state region including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Artists Coalition actively supports young and previously not shown artists, often providing the first important exhibition for these artists.
PROGRAMS AND ART SERVICES
As the needs of its constituency have grown, the Artists Coalition has expanded to provide additional opportunities and programming for artists and their audience. Recently added or expanded programs and services include Open Studios, the Lighton International Artists Exchange Program, website and workshops.
Artists are critical to a community's heritage. This is the Artists Coalition’s fundamental belief and it is why it pays special attention to contemporary visual artists. The organization believes that building a strong base for the artists who choose to live and work in its community advances the role of local artists on the national level and supports the evolution of new ideas and art. Its work to support artists and to build awareness of contemporary art has played a fundamental role in the growth of the vibrant Kansas City art community and surrounding region.
The Artists Coalition is in a fortunate position in that it is valued, its services and programming sought after, and that it has a stable base of support and a strong staff. Artists and the community embrace the organization because it is a reliable partner to artists, contributing in a meaningful way to the community.
tell us about your memorable experiences with the Kansas City Artists Coalition