Discover recent news from Kansas City's vibrant arts scene

The latest news from Kansas City's art scene focuses on the city's diverse and flourishing creative community. Kansas City embraces initiatives that merge cultural expression with community engagement. From public art installations to vibrant jazz venues, each article explores the various dimensions of Kansas City's artistic landscape.

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Executive Director of Parade of Hearts, Jenn Nussbeck, center, poses next to the Parade of Hearts redesign on Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025 in Kansas City. The hearts will be placed in seven counties across the Kansas City region in 2026. By Dominick Williams

NO. 1: KANSAS CITY’S PARADE OF HEARTS RETURNS IN 2026. HERE’S WHOSE ART YOU WILL SEE

In 2026, weeks before FIFA World Cup games arrive in Kansas City, 150 hearts by local artists will deploy across the region, using a shape that’s new for this year’s Parade of Hearts. | Published October 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

KC Wineworks was open for almost a decade before it closed earlier this year. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 2: A NEW KANSAS CITY JAZZ CLUB IS ON ITS WAY, REPLACING CROSSROADS WINE BAR

Before Jon Copaken was principal of major Kansas City development company Copaken Brooks, he was a jazz-loving college student. | Published October 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Graduate piano student Naren Palomino Pardo, who is an artist-in-residence at Claridge Court, a senior living community, played the piano for residents on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Prairie Village. Resident Jim Hotchkiss, 97, was among those watching the performance. Palomino Pardo, a native of Bolivia, is studying at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory and lives within the senior community. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 3: WHY A UMKC PIANIST LIVES ALONGSIDE RETIREES IN JOHNSON COUNTY: ‘MUSIC CHOSE ME’

When Narem Palomino Pardo isn’t studying for his master’s at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, performing with the UMKC Conservatory Wind Symphony or practicing the piano, you might find him in an unusual position: | Published October 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

Deaunte Thomas uses portraits, murals and teaching to heal Kansas City communities, donating art to grieving families and serving as artistic director for the 18th and Vine Arts Fair. By J.M. Banks

NO. 4: KC ARTIST DONATES THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN PAINTINGS TO BUILD CULTURAL BRIDGES

Deaunte Thomas is an artist deeply rooted in the Kansas City community, known not only for his versatile and compelling style but also for using his art to heal and bring people together. | Published October 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

Selah Thompson (front) teaches how the skirt is used in Afro Cuban dance to mimic natural movements seen in nature at the Traditional Music Society dance class. By Susan Pfannmuller

NO. 5: INSIDE KC’S THRIVING AFRICAN DRUM AND DANCE COMMUNITY, YOUNGER THAN EVER

At the Traditional Music Society’s Saturday class, Kansas City percussionist Bird Fleming stood in front of a congregation of students from various races, ages, and genders. | Published October 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.