Arts in Abundance

GET IMMERSED IN THE COUNTLESS EXPERIENCES FOUND IN KC

By RANDY MASON

For the city known as an epicenter for arts and culture, a year in quarantine was challenging.

But when the high-flying aerialists, dancers and musicians known as Quixotic launched a series of live performances atop The Westin Kansas City at Crown in 2020, the message was clear. No one can contain the artistic community in KC!

Photo courtesy of David Vellaut

This is evident at the majestic Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts — home to the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

The Folly Theatre, built in 1900 and recently restored, is host to world-renowned jazz and classical music tours, stand-up comedians and more. The 8,000 seat Starlight Theatre in Swope Park hosts Broadway shows, touring musicians and unique theatrical shows year-round.

Local theatre thrives on many stages, including those at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The White Theatre at The J, Spinning Tree and First Act Theatre Arts.

Artwork from throughout history can be seen at the park-like grounds of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art — also home to Art Course minigolf. A collection of newer works is on display at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

NASA-made glass is the calling card of KC’s distinguished Museum at Prairiefire and the recent $25 million investment in Harry S. Truman Library and Museum reveals why “the buck stops here.”

Arts of all kinds — theater, music, visual and more — are the focus of ArtKC’s new campaign, “Who Needs Art?” The year-long effort shines a light on the crucial impact arts and culture play in the community.