Arts Incubator of Kansas City

I adore the Arts Incubator. It is they only place I make sure to visit each First Fridays. So, why the 4 stars? Because it is not 5 (as good as it gets). Last First Fridays it was so incredibly hot and stifling that I was literally dripping with sweat by the time I exited the building. I like to take my time looking at art, but I found myself rushing through it was so stuffy. I realize it is a very big, very old building and I by no means expect it to be air conditioned… but my goodness. Some strategically placed fans maybe? Something to at least get the air moving about. I mean, with that many people standing arm to arm (it is a very popular stop) there really needs to be a breeze.
Okay, now that my one and only complaint is out of the way I can get back to business. Why you should absolutely come here! There are a TON of artists!!! Do not be afraid to turn corners and go up (or down) scary looking stairs… I promise, you will find amazing life on the other side! The all around energy and vibe is just amazing. I think because most who enter the building and deal with the heat are true art fans.
Just outside the entrance you will find street dancing which I highly recommend stopping and watching for awhile!
You really must stop in at least once during your First Fridays experience!
FYI: If you come too early, some of the artists may not be set up yet… so I personally stop in a bit later in the evening… also helps with the mugginess not being such an issue at that point.

I love the community that has been developed through the art incubator! It is a great space for classes and even to have a wedding. Such an arty space and is in the heart of the crossroads!
Also a great place to stop by during first fridays!

To continue my determination to show to outsiders that KC is a true artists’ city… I bring to you my review of Arts Incubator.
I reiterate: to my knowledge no place like this exits in New York City anymore. Cue me saying yet again that KC seems to offer a far more nurturing environment for artists, not unlike Portland (this is my humble opinion, I promise. I could be wrong).
I’ve been to AI both to check out the space during the day while a family was setting up what looked like it might just be one of the coolest weddings ever and then at the «Turn on the Heat» event.
AI offers both event space, which is a rustic loft space (that’s «rustic» and doesn’t mean holes in the floor) with windows spanning an entire wall offering spectacular views of the city, and it’s also exactly as the name implies: a place where artists can rent out spaces to hone their craft. It’s truly impressive to see the way they built up the artists’ floors so that everyone has their private, locked space to do their thang. They offer space at incredibly discounted rates, and are a non profit organization. They hold events to raise money for things like… heating that giant place (hence, «Turn on the Heat»).
The staff here are absolutely darling! There to answer any of your questions and it seems like they’d be very accommodating (within reason) to those renting the space out. The rates are reasonable, especially if you’re holding a charity event. There’s a large kitchen off the event space and a separate «getting ready» room.
Definitely check out Arts Incubator at one of their fundraisers or on First Fridays. Let’s continue to make KC thrive as one of the best cities for artists by supporting organizations like this one.

I have been here on First Friday’s, but recently I came here for a jewelry class from a resident artist.
The class was great and I thought it was cool that all the artist’s had community access to some expensive equipment and tools that they might not be able to access otherwise.
Basically, artist’s rent out small spaces upstairs and have the opportunity to show their work to an audience or just have a space to create their work. Unfortunately, it is also rented out as an event space, which must be maddening for the artist’s that want to work on weekends or eavenings. I was there while one wedding band was rehearsing and it was pretty unbearable to concentrate on creating a jewelry piece. Walls are very thin.
Great concept!

My friends had their wedding reception at the Arts Incubator a few years ago. It was a unique space that really suited them, plus whatever they paid for it went towards supporting the organization. My friend said renting the venue was «very affordable.» It doesn’t come with much (ie no wedding planner or staff on hand) but the price makes it right for a DIY type affair.
If you look at the pics online you can see that the space — a former warehouse — is industrial, with exposed brick and beams, unfinished concrete walls, and lots of windows. May not be for everyone but we really liked it. The wood floors are in good shape and the windows provide a view of the skyline and sunset. There was ample space for everyone: 150 — 200 people plus tables, and there was still room for a dance floor! They rented (round) tables and chairs from Arts Incubator. Other amenities include elevators (the stairs are a bit challenging) and decent bathrooms. The website and another review mention a kitchen onsite. My friend says there was definitely not a kitchen, so it was a pain to clean up after dinner. So perhaps the kitchen is new. We were able to come back the next day to clean up, it was nice they didn’t make us drag stuff home after a long day and some «revelry.» Street parking must have been easy to come by since I don’t recall any sort of reserved parking. I think this space would also work for dinners, fundraisers, photo shoots, small concerts etc. I think the only downside was that it wasn’t air-​conditioned, and as it was a late summer/​early fall wedding in KCMO, it got pretty warm in there!
I don’t know much about the gallery side of Arts Incubator, but I took this from the website:
«Most artists who graduate from art institutions do not have the business skills required to establish self-​sustaining careers in the arts. The Arts Incubator of Kansas City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with these emerging artists in the development of their careers.»
Looks like they provide work space, tools/​supplies, and exhibition opportunities for new artists. I would definitely recommend Arts Incubator as an event venue, plus it’s a cool nonprofit! This neighborhood boasts an interesting history as well: back in the «jazz age» the area along 18^th Street was called Film Row and was a hub for movie executives, touring stars, and publicists. Looks like the area is getting trendy again so get it while it’s hot!

Just attended a wedding for 120 at this gallery and it is easily one of the best spaces in Kansas City. Big room above the gallery proper with a small but efficient kitchen area. Views of downtown are sensational and acoustics are great.
Hard wood floors, ample street parking. I will be recommending this space to anyone looking to host a party, wedding, or other event.

This is another great gallery in KC’s exciting arts district. The whole former warehouse has been converted into a labyrinth of rental art studios/​galleries. Great concept to help artists get on their feet. Interesting artists inside, and a neat old building. This little section of 18^th street is great with it’s boutiques, lofts, and YJs!