Quality studio spaces are disappearing from prime areas in Kansas City. Artists and their art have enhanced and rejuvenated areas, communities, and businesses, yet too many times their studio spaces face increased rent or buildings are being repurposed to attract a different clientele.

Nationally businesses, communities, and patrons are hosting art studios, residencies, galleries, and pop-up performances to help support artists. The process projects innovation, diverse thinking, outreach, reflection, and outward thinking. What more can we do in Kansas City to support our artists?

If you're a business owner, a patron of the arts, or an artist, you won't want to miss this townhall. Join us Thursday, January 16 at 21c Museum Hotel.

p.s. Stay after for drinks and networking at The Savoy at 21c.

5:30-6pm - Networking with light refreshments & a cash bar

6-7:10pm – Panel & community discussion

Panelists:

- Suzie Aron is a developer with Aron Real Estate, a past president of the Crossroads Community Association, and is on the Kansas City Business Journal's ‘The List of 100 Most Powerful People in KC’.

- Philip Botana is in commercial real estate with Newmark Grubb Zimmer. He has produced films with combined budgets over $30M. He is a former Board Member of AMC Theaters and KC FilmFest.

- Dylan Mortimer has created public art installations in several states, is represented by Haw Contemporary, currently studios at Townsend Communications and formerly at the Drugstore Studios.

- Rachelle Gardner-Roe has exhibited nationally, done private commissions and been selected for public projects, grants, awards, and residencies. She is represented by the Weinberger Fine Art.

- Moderator, Simon Kuo is a BetaBlox startup accelerator partner, co-founder of Lighthreads business consulting, is a commercial actor, a member of the Bureau co-op production company, is a founding member of GUILDit, and was a VP of Sprint.

Cohosts: Crossroads Community Association, Downtown Council, Midtown Now, Flim KC, GuildIt and 21c.