The inaugural 18th & Vine Arts Festival brought out the community in droves despite the unseasonal heat. The festival, held in the iconic 18th & Vine district of Kansas City, known for its rich jazz and blues history, marked a significant milestone in celebrating Black artists.
Quez Beasley, the festival’s organizer, was happy with the turnout and the more-than-50 Black artists who participated. Artist booths lined both sides of The Paseo with everything from clothing, jewelry, paint on canvas, sculpture, and photography.
The festival spotlighted Black artists but also had genre-spanning musical performances and a stunning fashion show.
Quez emphasized the importance of ensuring that vendors had a profitable weekend.
To support the artists, the festival organizers waived vendor fees, which can typically amount to several hundred dollars. To offset these costs, an entrance fee was charged for attendees.
“We’re so happy to see everyone out here sharing their gifts,” said J. LeRoy Beasley, the festival’s co-artistic director.
Quez said he hopes for an even bigger turnout next year.
“We want 150 artists next year,” said Quez. “This is just the first year of a new annual tradition.”
