After years of planning and renovation, the Zhou B Art Center celebrated its grand opening on June 1 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, exhibition premiere, and community celebration at the center in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.
The new arts hub has revitalized the long-vacant Crispus Attucks School building at 1801 E. 18th Street. The school, which closed decades ago, was once an important pillar of education for Black students in Kansas City. The massive renovation preserved historic elements while adding 45 artist studios, multiple galleries, a 250-seat theater, event spaces, and a sculpture garden.
“It’ll be one of the anchors of the jazz district,” said Allan Gray, co-developer of the multi-million dollar project. “But this is not just a project for 18th and Vine; what the Zhou brothers are bringing is an arts center for Kansas City.”
The ribbon cutting featured local officials and the renowned Zhou Brothers artists who spearheaded the development. The ribbon cutting was followed by a fund-raising gala with live music, refreshments and the premiere of the inaugural exhibition “A Benediction from the Rubble.”
Kansas City artist Michael Brantley is one of the selected artists for the center’s opening exhibit, “A Benediction from the Rubble.”
The Zhou B Arts Center of Kansas City will be the brothers’ second arts center in the US. They intend to build programming and events around the needs of the artists in residence. Classes, workshops, exhibitions, and an artist of the month program are in the works for the center.
