The historic 18th and Vine District, once known as a national hub of America’s most prolific Black artists and jazz musicians, is entering a new chapter in its storied artistic legacy.
Returning for its second year, the 18th & Vine Arts Festival vies for a place in the national spotlight after a monumentally successful 2023 debut.
From September 27th to 29th, the three-day event will transform the district into a vibrant celebration of Black art, music, fashion, and community, drawing national attention to Kansas City’s resurgent arts movement.
Yet, more than the festival’s sheer scale—featuring an astonishing 90+ Black artists—is the visionary approach driving it.
Marquez “Quez” Beasley, a Kansas City native and cultural organizer, is widely regarded within the community as an “artistic visionary.” As the driving force behind this unprecedented project, Beasley sees it as part of a broader mission to build lasting infrastructure for Black artists in the city.
“Absolutely it’s more than just an event—we’re building a movement,” he told The Defender. Quez serves as the festival’s Director. “We are creating a platform that celebrates Black artists, not just for a weekend, but in ways that empower them long-term. We want to break down the barriers that Black artists face, providing them with the resources, opportunities, and community they need to thrive, both creatively and personally.”
Some may know Beasley as a singer, co-host of MarksMyBarber’s renowned Soul Sessions, or a fearless advocate for Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community. But the common thread in all his roles is his unwavering commitment to championing Black art as a transformative force—both personally and culturally.
His vision for the festival is expansive, extending beyond the traditional role of arts festivals. Ultimately, both he and the festival’s marketing director told me, they aim to implement initiatives that provide artists with access to affordable housing, financial stability, and mental health resources—offering holistic support for their creative journeys.
“We understand Black artists’ challenges, not just in getting their art seen, but in securing housing, financial stability, and mental wellness,” they explained. “Through our partnerships, we’re looking to offer solutions like affordable housing, banking, and business resources that help artists live sustainably while continuing to innovate and create.”
This year’s festival, set against the backdrop of Kansas City’s rich history, stands as a key moment in the city’s reemergence as a cultural hub.
At a time when headlines about Black people and Black youth are dominated by stories of violence and harm, they are shifting the narrative.
They are demonstrating that hundreds, even thousands, in our community are eager to come together—to love, support, uplift, and create alongside one another.
For it all to be happening in such a historic space makes it all the more meaningful. The 18th and Vine District, often referred to as a hub and one of the premier locations at the height of jazz, is now undergoing a modern renaissance.
I am not hyping this festival up simply because its Black (and y’all know I love Black people), but instead because it has been incredibly intentional down to every minute detail.
Unlike many other arts festivals, where booth fees can be prohibitively expensive, artists at the 18th & Vine Arts Festival participate for free.
The festival’s ticket sales go directly toward supporting the artists, ensuring that they not only gain visibility but also make a profit. Last year alone, the festival resulted in $100,000 in art sales.
A few of the artists, stylists, and more, can be found below;
- Tahirah ‘Sweets’ Hinds
- Hair By Truluvly
- Drea Mrz Fuimdabarber
- Warren ‘stylez’ Harvey
- Suzanne Wanja
- Rachel Hughes
- Lisa Brown
- Kenya Martin
- Many More!
As Beasley reflected when speaking to us, “We’re not just showcasing artists; we’re building a sustainable ecosystem for them to thrive. This is a space where Black artists can feel celebrated, heard, and supported in every aspect of their journey.”