RESOLUTION NO. 230649
title
Sponsor: Councilmember Andrea Bough
RESOLUTION - Recognizing No Divide KC for their impact in Kansas City by fostering inclusive and diverse community artistic events.
body
WHEREAS, No Divide KC's goal is to collaboratively create artistic events that focus on the stories of underserved and misrepresented communities. They work with local organizations and commission local artists to provide exhibitions, documentary series, concerts, festivals, other live events and community art classes; and
WHEREAS, with initial support from the Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation Services, No Divide KC was founded in 2016 by (composer/performer) Stacy Busch and her spouse (ESL instructor) Emily Spradling; and
WHEREAS, No Divide KC supports local artists and contributes to the growing artist economy in Kansas City through fair opportunities including: artist payment, no application fees, and broad artistic calls for artists of all mediums and backgrounds as well as diverse and knowledgeable selection committees; and
WHEREAS, the 4th Annual Queer Narratives Festival on August 4th and 5th, began during COVID as a fledgling LGBTQ community-focused arts event that provided meaningful, safe ways to build community despite the pandemic that continues to grow in size and impact. This festival presents the highest quality LGBTQ+ performing artists in Kansas City. Known for its celebratory and inclusive energy, the Queer Narratives Festival features artists at all stages in their arts practice and represents all artistic mediums and queer identities; and
WHEREAS, since 2021, No Divide KC has won Non-Profit of the Year from the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce at the Business Pride Awards, the Diverse-Led Distinction from ArtsKC and the Charlotte Street Foundation's Cultural Producer Grant; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby honor the dedicated...
Click here for full text