“Art is our one true global language. It knows no nation, it favors no race, it acknowledges no class. It speaks to our need to reveal, heal, and transform. It transcends our ordinary lives and lets us imagine what is possible.” – Richard Kamler, Artist & Activist

The International Relations Council in Kansas City presents “World Of Art” a six-part program series taking place between March and July 2024 designed to explore the intersectionality of the arts & the human desire to better understand the world around us. The Kansas City metro area is home to a vibrant arts scene, full of incredible artists with global stories to tell, and the artists in our community play an incredibly strong role in making Kansas City a truly global city in the heartland of America. It is our privilege to invite artists and scholars from a wide variety of disciples: Writers, Visual Artists, Academic Scholars, Bandleaders, Musicians, Archaeologists (and more!) to share their stories, expertise, and of course, their work – with our group as we explore the World of Art.

Please click on the program of interest below for more information and a link to register.

Please check back as additional participants are confirmed.

Arts & Conflict: Monday, March 24

Virtual (Zoom) | 12-1pm Central Time
Throughout history, the arts have played a crucial role in helping individuals and communities express their emotions, beliefs, and struggles during times of conflict. This panel discussion will explore how artistic expression provides a voice for those affected by war, displacement, and social upheaval. Panelists will discuss how art can serve as both a form of resistance and a tool for healing.

The panel will feature multi-award winning CEO and Artistic Director of international NGO, In Place of War, Ruth Daniel, poet, writer and teacher, Vlada Teper, and photographer, Fulbright Specialist, Board Member for the International Toy Research Association (ITRA), and the Executive Director of the War Toys® nonprofit organization, Brian McCarty. The program will be moderated by local KC artist and IRC Board Member, Cheryl Eve Acosta.

Register here.

International Travel Through An Artist's Eyes: Wednesday, April 2

Vine Street Brewing | 6-7:30 pm Central Time
Art has the power to transcend borders, and for many artists, performance has been a means to explore the world. This panel discussion will highlight the experiences of three performing artists who have taken their craft abroad, engaging with international audiences and immersing themselves in different cultural landscapes. Panelists will share insights on how travel has shaped their artistry and the challenges and rewards of performing on a global stage.

The panel will consist of musician, urbanist and founder of Vine Street Brewing, Kemet Coleman, Founding Artistic and Executive Director of StoneLion Puppet Theatre, Heather Loewenstein, and will be moderated by IRC Executive Director and musician, Evan Verploegh.

Register here.

Virtual (Zoom) | 6-7 pm Central Time 
From K-pop to anime to Latin music, international art forms are making an undeniable impact on the American mainstream. This panel will explore the rise of foreign artistic mediums in the U.S., examining how they shape cultural perceptions and wield soft power. Experts will discuss the globalization of entertainment, the challenges of cultural translation, and the ways in which these art forms are reshaping American pop culture.

The panel will consist of PhD student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago in the subfield of International Relations, Jenna Gibson, faculty in musicology, academic specialist, and director of the Latin American Music Center at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Javier León, and scholar of contemporary urban literature and media, Ann Lena Ho.

Register here.

Venue TBD | 6-7pm Central Time
Every piece of art carries a history—sometimes hidden, sometimes contested. This program will feature two experts who specialize in art provenance, the process of tracing and documenting the ownership history of artwork, particularly in museums and galleries. Panelists will discuss the ethical, legal, and historical challenges involved in uncovering an artwork’s past, as well as the impact provenance research has on restitution and the global art market.

This discussion will feature provenance specialist at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, MacKenzie Mellon, and specialist in the art and archaeology of the ancient Roman world at the Kansas City Art Institute, Amanda Chen.

Register here.

 6-7:30 pm | Park 39 (300 E. 39th St.)
Art is a powerful medium for self-expression, particularly when it comes to cultural identity. This panel will explore how artists use their work to explore and share their personal and cultural narratives. Panelists will discuss the intersection of identity and art, how their backgrounds inform their creative process, and how audiences engage with art that reflects diverse perspectives.

The panel will feature Director of Inclusive Learning & Creative Impact at the Museum of Kansas City, award-winning poet, activist, and educator, Glenn North, painter and educator, Juan Diego Gaucin, and co-founder of the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra/Latin Jazz Institute, Pablo Sanhueza.

Register here.

Venue TBD | 6-7:30 pm Central Time
Music has long been a universal language, connecting cultures and fostering diplomacy. This panel will examine the role of music as a tool for cultural exchange, bridge- building, and international collaboration. Panelists will share their experiences in using music to connect with audiences across the globe and discuss how musical diplomacy can foster mutual understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

The panel will feature KKFI founder and host of The World Music Show, Tom Crane.

Register here.