Long before joining the KAF team in May 2022, Director of Programs and Partnerships Larry Morris had a relationship with the Foundation as a creative in the St. Louis music scene, through his band, iLLPHONiCS performing at KAF venues and Music at the Intersection, and invitations to serve on the MATI committee. Morris studied audio engineering at Webster University, receiving his bachelor’s and then a master’s degree in media communications.
What drew you to the organization?
I’ve always been close to the work. Over the years, I’ve watched the organization grow and recognized its vital importance to our creative sector. So, when the opportunity came to join the Foundation, it was a no-brainer — I already felt deeply connected to the mission.
What is your favorite part of your job at KAF?
It’s honestly about connecting the community — especially minority and international communities — to the Foundation’s gifts. These spaces, galleries, and The Walls are places for our community to experience and enjoy. My role is to ensure that people understand the mission, feel connected, and know how to engage with us. That means doing the daily, on-the-ground work of going out into the community, not just waiting or hoping people will show up. I also love placemaking and collaborating with partners to activate spaces and neighborhoods with creative elements, or using the KAF lens to help inform others doing similar work.
How do you feel your role directly supports the KAF mission?
My role directly supports the KAF mission by building bridges between artists, community, and opportunity. I focus on creating access — whether that’s through residencies, community ticketing, or now workforce pathways — and ensuring our infrastructure, from galleries to entire venues, is utilized to its fullest potential by the people who need it most. I’m also frequently out in the community, strengthening and nurturing partnerships and ensuring that minority, international, and underserved communities see themselves reflected in and welcomed into our spaces, as well as all other community members. In doing that, I help KAF live out its mission to uplift artists and anchor St. Louis’ cultural ecosystem.
What do you love most about the St. Louis arts community?
St. Louis is a resilient and deeply creative city. We’ve overcome so much and continue to move forward, especially in the creative sector, even when other sectors are stagnant or fading. I feel part of a new wave of creative leadership — observant, committed, and ready to help take St. Louis’ creative sector into its next iteration. That excites me, because we already have the bones and scaffolding in place. That foundation fuels me, as well as many others, with a sense of real potential.
What do you personally do (outside of work) to engage in the arts?
I am an emcee, a hired songwriter, and a gardener — all artistic outlets that give me life and joy. I’m best known for my work with the hip-hop fusion band iLLPHONiCS, which remains a big part of my creative world. More recently, I’ve also moved into collecting art, which feels natural given my proximity to so many incredible creatives.
Who are some of your favorite St. Louis artists/musicians/creators that people should check out?
There are too many to name, and because of my work, I don’t call out favorites — but they know who they are, and I make a point to tell them directly how they inspire me. What I will say is this: If you love St. Louis, and you find an artist you love, support and lift them up. Artists make their livelihoods through their work, regardless of the medium, so your dollars, your voice amplifying their art, and your presence when they exhibit all matter.
