Aug 25–Oct 28, 2018
#OpenspacesKC
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Open Spaces

Letter From Mayor Sly James

Greetings from Kansas City, MO.

 

We are America’s “Creative Crossroads” — the beating heart of innovation and artistic expression. Our community has deep roots in the arts, giving birth to modern jazz, providing a home to literary giants, and world-class museums and performing arts venues. The city and its philanthropic community have supported development of major arts institutions and citywide beautification through public art, fountains and memorials. It’s on the foundation of that rich cultural heritage that we bring the next chapter of Kansas City’s artistic development. And it starts with Open Spaces.

 

It’s my honor to invite you to be a part of Kansas City’s Open Spaces festival. For 9 weeks, from August 25 to October 28, 2018, Open Spaces will transform Kansas City’s parks, urban spaces, galleries, performance halls and outdoor stages into a citywide showcase of the world’s most creative and innovative works of art and performances. The Exhibition, which encompasses Open Space’s citywide installations, will host leading regional, national and international contemporary visual artists. Kansas City’s finest architects and artists will come together to build custom structures that will house The Village in Swope Park. The Village will be Open Space’s main hub, featuring exhibitions, performances, and events each weekend. At The Village, Kansas City will come together for Open Spaces’ headline event, The Weekend, October 12-14. The Weekend will feature visual art, music, dance, theatre, film, poetry and culinary arts and celebrate unity and social change through art. And, finally, through The Expanded Field, Open Spaces will highlight even more events, exhibitions, and activities throughout the city hosted by Kansas City’s thriving arts organizations and its thriving arts community.

 

Open Spaces is our moment to open Kansas City up to the world. We have the talent, vision, and support to do it. It’s time to show the world what Kansas City has to offer.

 

Welcome to Open Spaces, Kansas City’s Arts Experience.

 

Sincerely,
Mayor Sly James