All posts by Kranzberg Arts Foundation

One of the cornerstones of KAF’s mission to provide essential infrastructure for the arts to thrive in the St. Louis region is the Kranzberg Artist in Residency (KAIR) program. The program was launched in 2021 with the mission of helping each participant define, pursue and achieve their individual goals as an artist by providing the tools and space to improve their skills, develop new professional relationships and increase their knowledge. KAIR grew out of KAFs Music Artist in Residence program that was established in 2018, and expanded to include visual and literary arts.

Since that time, the program has empowered dozens of St. Louis-based artists from diverse backgrounds, utilizing KAF artistic venues, studios, community programming and strategic partnerships to help take their careers to the next level. Eleven artists, including five visual artists, three musicians and three writers recently completed their 18-month residencies, hosting exhibitions and performances as their final projects. Moraa Nyaribo, a fiber artist deeply connected to Black and African heritage, just wrapped her well-received exhibition Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry and Afrofuturism at The Gallery at The Kranzberg.

“Having a dedicated studio space for the past year and a half has been such a gift. This residency has been amazing—eye-opening, fun, and full of opportunities. I’ve grown so much, not just as an artist but as a person,” Nyaribo says. “Through it all, I feel seen and heard. My voice is stronger, my practice keeps getting refined, and I’m more confident in who I am as an artist. The connections and relationships I’ve made here have helped me plant real roots in STL, and I’ve got the energy and drive to keep moving forward.”

Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, the KAIR program supports economic development and cultural sustainability, further positioning St. Louis as a leading arts and entertainment destination. Applications for the next visual arts residency cohort, running from January 2026 – June 2027, are currently under consideration. Four outstanding visual artists will be selected and provided with the time, space, and support needed to develop substantial bodies of work, foster collaboration, and fully realize their creative visions.

“The value of the Kranzberg Arts Residency comes from the infrastructure we provide to artists — not only dedicated space, but also literal and physical work space where they can create uninhibitedly,” says Larry Morris, KAF Director of Programs and Partnerships. “Just as important is proximity: our district has become a natural stop-through for world-class artists, it houses many of the region’s most influential arts organizations, and it serves as a place where creatives from all over come to connect. That combination of space and community is what makes KAIR such a powerful experience for residents.”

KAIR program residents are supported through six distinct pillars, including:

• Dedicated workspaces
• State-of-the-art presenting/performance spaces 
• Technology, tools and training
• Programming and wellness support
• Marketing, storytelling and partner support
• Cash stipends

In addition to musicians and visual artists, Sophie’s Artist Lounge recently announced its new DJ Residency cohort —a dynamic class of 10 artists whose energy, creativity, and range are elevating the sound and soul of the space in weekly and monthly rotations, curating vibes on both weekends and weeknights. More than just a nightclub, Sophie’s is an innovative space where artists, curators and DJs play an integral role in shaping St. Louis’ cultural landscape. 

“All of our residencies are designed to help artists define, pursue and achieve their goals by providing the tools and space to improve their skills, develop new professional relationships, and increase their knowledge. We are thrilled that a KAF residency is a critical step and highlight on the resumes of a variety of St. Louis artists who are destined for greatness,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen.

Photo Credit: Taylor Marrie

The fifth annual MATI Conference and Festival was a smashing success with crowds of approximately 17,000 gathering in Grand Center across the weekend-long event September 12 through 14. This year brought new changes to the festival, including a revised and expanded footprint that included the introduction of The Sovereign as a main stage venue, the Laz Jazz Artist Lounge stage programmed by venerable St. Louis band Brothers Lazaroff, and the introduction of MATI Places, extending programming into the full Grand Center Arts District. All were well-received by audiences, signaling an openness to MATI’s continued growth and development.

While main stage pass holders enjoyed world-class headliners like Common, Patti LaBelle, Branford Marsalis and De La Soul, people throughout the neighborhood were treated with free or low-cost entertainment such as a presentation of  St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Strauss Park, sets by local artists at Jazz St. Louis and The Grandel Theatre, family-friendly programming at Metro Theatre, poetry readings at High Low and more. 

What remains steadfast throughout the years is the sense of community and connectedness that flows throughout MATI weekend, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together in the spirit of art and music to celebrate the best St. Louis has to offer. 

“MATI had a great vibe. So many friendly people – from vendors to people sitting on the couches enjoying the music playing from Laz Jazz,” attendee Janice Jackson commented on social media.

The conference portion of MATI was spread throughout the weekend this year, offering local creative professionals and artists with numerous opportunities to network and learn from some of St. Louis’ best in sessions and panels including a content creators roundtable, Arch Grants Founders lunch and a percussion master class lead by Matthew Henry and Pedrito Martinez.

“MATI weekend was once again a true celebration of the best of St. Louis — its people, artists, cultural institutions, grassroots organizations, entrepreneurs and more. We have a festival that is about community above all at its core,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “I am eternally grateful to all of our staff, volunteers, performers, vendors, exhibitors and, most importantly, our loyal members and attendees who make MATI possible. If you attended MATI this year, we’d love your feedback! Please fill out this quick survey so we can continue to improve.

Photo Credit: Tyler Small

A St. Louis native and graduate of Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Curatorial and Digital Media Assistant Chris Pulphus joined KAF’s Visual Arts team in January 2025 and was drawn to the Foundation due to its continuous support of local artists and the massive infrastructure KAF brings to the St. Louis artist community.

What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?

Helping artists bring their visions to life is my favorite part of the job. It’s an honor to be a part of that process and see all of our hard work come to fruition.

How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?

My role consistently embodies the KAF mission because my work directly supports artists. Whether I’m making sure they’re getting paid, have everything they need for an exhibition, or simply have a direct line of communication to the Foundation

What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?

What I love most is the incredible potential of our local arts scene. Though St. Louis may be a small city, we have a loud and impactful voice in the art world. From conventional mediums to music, theatre, and beyond, our city proves time and time again that with the right resources and guidance, we have so much to offer.

What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?

I engage with the arts by staying deeply involved in my city. Outside of my work here, I run a multimedia business called RBL Design, where I work as a videographer, photographer, and graphic designer. My personal mission is to showcase the incredible events and opportunities St. Louis has to offer its diverse community. I also make it a point to attend a wide range of local productions, from theater and fashion shows to open mics and concerts.

Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?

Some of my favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out are, YK DA DON, Amor Montana, Khiro Kano, JaysProduction, Past Candids Photography, China Fantasy, Ron The Videographer, Infinite Visuals LLC, and DJ Thndr(Shawno).

MATI 2025 is just three days away! It’s not too late to join the best party of the year. Weekend, Daily and MATI Places passes are still available, as are full memberships with added perks. Whether you’re a loyal attendee or it’s your first time, this year offers new and exciting experiences for everyone with programming that extends outside of the main festival footprint throughout the Grand Center Arts District. The weekend features more than 100 national, regional and St. Louis-based performances and presentations across 19 stages and venues.

One of the best parts of MATI is discovering sights and sounds you may not have been familiar with before that will soon become favorites. Arrive early and allow time to roam and take it all in between sets from your favorite headlining acts—from the music to the art to the food and community-building moments.

If you’re an artist, musician or creative professional, you’ll want to take advantage of the conference portion of MATI, spread throughout the weekend and presented in collaboration with the Recording Academy and Evntiv. This year features new panel topics, heavy-hitting keynotes, and the opportunity for attendees to interact directly with industry influencers.

Here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of your MATI weekend:

• Check out the Festival Map in advance to get the lay of the land.
• Download the official MATI App to have the full schedule at your fingertips.
• Study up on the artists who are performing and get hyped with our curated MATI Playlist on Spotify.
• Allow time for parking. Parking garages, parking lots and street parking are available throughout Midtown. Grand Center and SLU’s parking garages will be accessible as well. 
• We also encourage attendees to utilize Metro Transit and ride sharing. FREE Lyft rides (up to a $30 total value) to and from MATI are sponsored by Breakthru Beverage and will be available from 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept 12 through 12:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept 15. The redemption code for the MATI safe home ride Lyft credit is BBGMOMATI25. The drop off and pick up address must be entered as 3224 Locust, St. Louis, MO.
• There are no longer “VIP” passes as in past years. All MATI Main Stages passholders will have access to indoor restrooms, expanded seating, lounge areas, shade structures and curated food and beverage options and will be able to come and go freely from the Washington Avenue block party to the performance areas.
• Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to relax in front of the outdoor stages (Field Stage and The Big Top). Please note, however, that chairs and blankets will not be allowed inside The Sovereign, Sophie’s Artist Lounge or MATI Places.
• For complete details and answers to additional questions, visit matistl.org. 

Most of all, get ready to have an amazing time!

*Photo Credit: Tyler Small