Grassroots and growing for over 48 years!

About

The Kansas City Artists Coalition was created to change the lives of artists living in Kansas City, Missouri and the region. 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. The Kansas City Artists Coalition (KCAC or Artists Coalition) is an artist-centered, artist-run alternative organization that presents a variety of exhibitions of contemporary artists’ work in its Main Gallery and the Snap Space Gallery.

Mission

The Kansas City Artists Coalition (KCAC) is a nonprofit organization that promotes visual arts awareness in Kansas City and the surrounding region, and supports the professional growth of artists.

  • Foster a climate which encourages innovation and creativity among artists

  • Utilize the collective initiative and creativity of artists for their own benefit

  • Provide a forum for contemporary visual arts through our galleries and publications

  • Champion the work of local artists and increases 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, and to seek out peers and mentors in the artists communities across the United States and the world

  • Support artists’ work financially

  • Promote the exchange of ideas

Purpose

At the Kansas City Artists Coalition (KCAC), we believe that art thrives in a community built on mutual respect, inclusion, and shared responsibility. This Code of Conduct applies to all who engage with KCAC—whether as a visitor, artist, member, volunteer, staff member, or board member.

By participating in our programs, entering our spaces, or interacting with KCAC in any capacity, you agree to uphold the following standards:

1. Respect for People

  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, national origin, or socioeconomic status.

  • Engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue; disagreement is welcome, but harassment, discrimination, or personal attacks are not.

2. Zero Tolerance for Harassment

Harassment of any kind—including verbal, physical, sexual, or written—is strictly prohibited. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Unwanted touching or physical contact

  • Offensive jokes, slurs, or sexual comments

  • Intimidation, stalking, or bullying

  • Persistent unwanted attention or communication

Any violation will be taken seriously and may result in immediate removal from KCAC events, programs, or membership.

3. Professional Integrity

  • Represent KCAC in good faith. Avoid behavior that could harm the reputation or mission of the organization.

  • Do not use KCAC platforms or relationships to advance personal agendas at the expense of others.

  • Respect confidential or sensitive information.

4. Safe and Welcoming Environment

  • Help maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment in our galleries, studios, classrooms, and events.

  • Report unsafe conditions or inappropriate behavior to KCAC staff or leadership immediately.

5. Accountability and Consequences

KCAC reserves the right to revoke event access, membership, volunteer roles, or board appointments for individuals who violate this Code of Conduct. Depending on the nature and severity of the behavior, additional actions may include:

  • Formal warning or mediation

  • Temporary or permanent suspension of membership or participation

  • Notification of law enforcement if legally required

In some cases, reinstatement may be considered only after a formal review and demonstration of accountability, including a written apology and agreement to this Code.

Reporting a Concern

If you experience or witness conduct that violates these principles, please let us know. Reports can be made confidentially by contacting our Executive Director at courtney@kansascityartistscoalition.org.

Our Commitment

We are committed to building an equitable, transparent, and inclusive arts community—one where creativity can flourish, and all people feel safe and respected.

KCAC is a registered Safe Space with the Safe Space Alliance and we thank you for helping make KCAC a space where all are welcome.

Code of Conduct

Commitment to Inclusion

The Kansas City Artists Coalition (KCAC or the Artists Coalition) is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. KCAC seeks to achieve diversity and cultural equity in its leadership, partners, members, and programs. KCAC seeks to ensure equitable practices within board activity, staffing, training, and communications.

The Artists Coalition carries out its mission with proactive efforts to embrace differences of culture, ethnicity, race, religion, international origin, sexual orientation, physical abilities, socio-economic status, age, and gender.

KCAC’s website uses the Accessibly App which is committed to making sites accessible for all, including people with disabilities. The app to complies with increased accessibility standards, guidelines, and to make the browsing experience better for everyone. More information can be found in the widget that is located on the right hand side of the website.

Land Acknowledgement

Working and collaborating in Kansas City; unceded ancestral land belonging to the Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Wazhazhe (Osage), Washtáge Moⁿzháⁿm (Kaw/Kanza), and Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) people. Indigenous people are the past, present, and future of this land.

Visit https://native-land.ca/ to learn on whose land you stand.