The 18th & Vine Arts Conference will not be your average panel event — it’s a full-day, TED Talk–style experience created for artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
This is where Kansas City’s creative community comes together to learn, grow, and connect. Each session features real conversations, personal stories, and expert insight designed to help you take your craft and career to the next level.
From business leadership and funding to mental health, marketing, and civic engagement, this event is all about giving you tangible tools to scale your artistry, find new opportunities, and build lasting impact.
Lunch is included. Insight is guaranteed.
Conference Schedule
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch & Welcome
Hosted by Quez Beasley, Director of the 18th & Vine Arts Festival
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Quinton Lucas
Kansas City's Commitment to the Arts: Building a Creative Future
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Nia Richardson
Assistant Director, Neighborhood Services Department, City of Kansas City, Missouri
Inclusive entrepreneurship and small business access
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
Tara Karaim – ArtsKC
Senior Manager of Grants and Community Gallery
Funding opportunities and regional artist support
2:50 PM – 3:10 PM
Michael Toombs – Founder and Director of Storytellers Inc.
Artist, educator, and founder of Storytellers Inc.
Community art, murals, and cultural storytelling
3:10 PM – 3:20 PM
Break – Stretch, Connect, and Refresh
3:20 PM – 3:40 PM
Celia Ruiz
Certified Bilingual Mental Health First Aid Instructor
Prioritizing mental health in the creative community
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
Carol Taylor
President and Owner, A Clean Slate LLC
Execution: strategic planning for entrepreneurs
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Karis Harrington – Kansas City G.I.F.T.
Chief Operating Officer, Kansas City G.I.F.T.
Financial readiness and strategic partnerships for Black creatives
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Cedric Williams – Evolving Digital Media
Founder and CEO, Evolving Digital Media
Marketing for artists and creatives: brand building, social media strategy, and visibility tools
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Closing Mixer + Resource Q&A
Open networking, speaker follow-ups, and next-step connections
Tickets & Entry
🎟️ Admission: $10 (includes lunch)
Presented in Partnership With
Keystone Community Corporation, NTDF, City of Kansas City, and Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley
Join Us
This is your chance to learn from Kansas City’s creative leaders, build real connections, and discover opportunities to grow your craft and community impact.
👉 Get your tickets now at 18thandvineartsfestival.com
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