Tag Archives: St. Louis

03 Oct 2025

New ArtWorQ Initiative Connects Job Seekers With Careers in Arts & Entertainment

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In partnership with local employers, KAF has just launched its new ArtWorQ initiative with the goal of connecting St. Louis job seekers with careers in the arts and entertainment industry, which currently has a high demand for qualified workers. This special workforce and employment training program is focused on practical skills and cross-sector job opportunities within the arts and entertainment sectors. 

ArtWorQ is designed to create a pipeline to jobs for low to moderate income individuals in the city and county of St. Louis, as well as the entire Missouri region and is aptly suited to take place within KAF’s numerous arts and entertainment venues. 

“Since 2006, KAF  has been committed to providing local, emerging artists and community arts organizations with the vital infrastructure, including space and tools, to perform and showcase their work. Now, we’re taking that commitment into the broader arts and entertainment community by supporting those who perform skilled jobs within the industry,” says KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen.

The A&E Industry Career Prep Program is a free six-week intensive training for workers to gain a solid foundation in essential skills needed by employers via a customized curriculum focused on the arts and entertainment sector. Participants will gain real-world exposure through guest speakers, behind-the-scenes site visits, and exclusive industry insights and will earn industry-recognized certifications to give their resumes a competitive edge — all while receiving a weekly stipend. The program will employ apprentices to learn and train alongside training partners, onsite in the Grand Center Arts District. 

Program enrollment is targeted to persons of low to moderate income in underserved and underrepresented urban and rural areas throughout Missouri, with no prior experience needed. Applications are now open at: https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org/workforce/.

03 Oct 2025

Chuck D visited Legends’ Gallery for a special appearance & artist talk for his exhibition, ‘Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps’

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The Legends’ Gallery was filled with hip-hop fans and art lovers on Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27 as global icon Chuck D was in the house for a special reception and artist talk for his new exhibition, Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps. The exclusive exhibition presented by KAF and XYION with Soul Kitchen and curated by Lorrie Boula and Adrian Miller features original fine art by Chuck D inspired by his heroes, legends and peers and serves as a visual deep dive into society and culture. 

At Saturday’s artist talk, Chuck answered audience questions and waxed poetic for over an hour about everything from his artistic process to books that influenced him, technology, politics and more. Chuck graciously interacted with the crowd inside the intimate gallery on both Friday evening and Saturday afternoon following his talk, signing albums, shaking hands and taking photos. 

“Words can start wars and stop them, and images can do the same thing. What’s actually becoming a lost skill and attribute is listening. People are listening less, but their eyes are open and they’re looking at images. Art stands a chance when people are looking at it,” Chuck said during a pre-talk interview with St. Louis Public Radio on Saturday.

The exhibition continues through November 12. Standout pieces include a pair of diptychs: “Black Legends,” which features portraits of Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone presented in mixed media, and “Public Enemy Number One,” featuring a self-portrait of Chuck D alongside his longtime collaborator Flavor Flav. Both works, and more than 30 pieces of his fine art, are on view and available for sale at Legends’ Gallery and via the gallery website. Located at 3318 Washington Ave., the gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about the exhibition, please click here. To purchase prints, please click here.

 

*Photo Credit: @idunnomarty

03 Oct 2025

Staff Profile: Larry Morris, Director of Programs and Partnerships

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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.

29 Sep 2025

‘To STL With Love’ – Celebrating Hip Hop Culture in St. Louis, On view through January 2026 at Sophie’s Artist Lounge

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If you passed through Sophie’s Artist Lounge during MATI weekend, you probably caught a glimpse of To STL With Love, the landmark exhibition celebrating the deep roots and wide-ranging impact of hip-hop culture in St. Louis. Now it’s time to go back for a closer look.  Curated and produced by Kris Blackmon in collaboration with KAF, this thorough, multidisciplinary exhibition documents, celebrates, and uplifts the artists, venues, media, and cultural moments that have shaped the St. Louis hip-hop scene over the past several decades.

“Hip-hop is more than music—it is a cultural force that has shaped generations through dance, fashion, art, and community activism. St. Louis has a rich and underrepresented history in hip-hop that extends beyond the mainstream success of national artists,” says Blackmon.

From underground collectives to the DJs, breakers, and media pioneers who sustained the culture, To STL With Love tells the full story of St. Louis’ contributions to this global movement. It features original visual work, photography, and historical memorabilia and artifacts from over 30 St. Louis-based artists and creatives, including Pacia Elaine, Brock Seals, Damon Davis, John Harrington and Trackstar the DJ. It is sure to stir nostalgia in anyone who grew up loving St. Louis hip hop.

 

Photo Credit: Martel Stepney

29 Sep 2025

Motown Throwdown Feat. DJ Vthom and Biko (F.K.A. Needles), Friday, October 3, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at Sophie’s Artist Lounge

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Get ready to move and groove as Motown Throwdown returns to Sophie’s Artist Lounge for a night of deep cuts, dancefloor classics, and timeless soul featuring the originals Dj Vthom and Biko (F.K.A. Needles) providing a night of genre-blending sets and legendary Motown Throwdown sessions. Whether you come for the nostalgia or the next-wave vibes, the energy will be electric from start to finish. 

Motown Throwdown is the reimagined evolution of Motown on Mondays — a monthly weekend dance party celebrating the timeless sounds of Motown, soul, funk, and their modern-day descendants. With a rotating cast of St. Louis’s finest DJs, each Throwdown pays tribute to the legends while keeping the dancefloor fresh and forward.

Motown On Mondays (MOM) began in San Francisco in 2009, founded by DJ Donovan “Don Gordo,” as a passion project to reconnect with and celebrate the Motown-era sound he grew up loving. Over time, the concept expanded to over 40 cities worldwide with regular chapters in around 15 cities. In St. Louis, Motown On Mondays STL (@momstl) carries that legacy forward locally.

Presented in collaboration with 4 Hands Brewing Co., this night is powered by good music, good vibes, and good people. Free entry | 21+.

29 Sep 2025

Kranzberg Artist Residencies Provide Opportunities for Musicians, Visual Artists, DJs and More

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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

19 Sep 2025

‘Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps,’ the art of visionary/artist/music icon and Public Enemy founder Chuck D, Now through November 12 at Legends’ Gallery

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KAF and XYION with Soul Kitchen present this exclusive art exhibition curated by Lorrie Boula and St. Louis native Adrian Miller featuring original fine art by Chuck D that was inspired by his heroes, legends and peers and serves as a visual deep dive into society and culture. Standout pieces include a pair of diptychs: “Black Legends,” which features portraits of Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone presented in mixed media, and “Public Enemy Number One,” featuring a self-portrait of Chuck D. alongside his longtime collaborator Flavor Flav. Both works, and more than 30 pieces of his fine art, are on view and available for sale at the gallery.

“Art is about sight, sound, story and style. This show is a doorway into my mind and lyrics told through visuals and is a small peek into the noise in my head,” says Chuck. “Roll Call: Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps is my way of paying tribute to the figures who shaped me yesterday and today.” 

Known worldwide as the founder of Public Enemy, Chuck D ignited a movement with his politically charged lyrics and remains one of the most influential figures in contemporary music. His fine art has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide and is included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.

Legends’ Gallery, located at 3318 Washington Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about the exhibition, please click here. To purchase prints, please click here.

19 Sep 2025

In Its Fifth Year, MATI Brings the Community Together in Grand Center

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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

12 Sep 2025

Final Weeks to View Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry & Afrofuturism by Moraa Nyaribo at The Gallery at The Kranzberg

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On view through September 27, Nyuso: A Celebration of African Artistry and Afrofuturism is a personal exploration of identity, memory, and cultural pride through abstract interpretations of traditional African masks. As a fiber artist deeply connected to Black and African heritage, Moraa Nyaribo uses materials that hold both personal and cultural significance—synthetic hair, beads, hair accessories, and cowrie shells—while also experimenting with ceramics, batik, hand painting, and found objects.

“These masks live both as standalone art pieces and as elements in live performance, inviting viewers into layered conversations about transformation, lineage, and belonging,” she says. “Through Nyuso, I aim to honor ancestral practices while imagining new futures rooted in care, beauty, and resistance.”

The gallery is open for viewing on Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

12 Sep 2025

High Noon: The Power of Public Institutions with Charlene Oldham, Journalist, Author, and Librarian; Thursday, September 18, 12-1 p.m. in the Listening Room at High Low

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Join us as Charlene Oldham discusses how her passion for literacy and sharing knowledge has transitioned through three careers: journalism, teaching and librarianship. She will touch on how, as a first-generation college student and biracial child of an immigrant and career Marine who never finished high school, she feels public education gave her access to the American Dream and how she sees such access is currently in grave danger.

Oldham is a freelancer who writes about education, workplace issues, consumer finance, health and wellness and business personalities. A former business news staff writer for the Dallas Morning News whose varied resume includes a stint with Teach For America, her stories have appeared in publications including the New York Times, USA Today , and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

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