Current Perspectives
Current Perspectives is a free, public lecture series hosted by the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) that brings national and international artists, designers, and scholars to engage with the broader community.
Thursday Lectures
The Current Perspectives Lecture Series fosters connection and broadens viewpoints within Kansas City. This program gives the community invaluable access to national and international creative leaders, whose unique perspectives spark progressive conversations and contribute to the growth of our cultural dialogue.
Speakers share insights into their career paths, influences, and both artistic and scholarly projects, offering fresh ideas and inspiration to attendees. By introducing these outside perspectives, the series enriches Kansas City’s arts scene and fosters a more diverse cultural landscape. At the same time, it heightens awareness of the vibrancy and relevance of our city’s cultural offerings, while exposing visiting lecturers to our local artistic community.
Fall 2025
September 4
Ben Gould
September 9
Alteronce Gumby
October 2
Katherine Hair Eagle
November 13
Raven Halfmoon
Upcoming Events In This Series
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   Jedel Visiting Artist: Raven HalfmoonNov. 13, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
Recent Events In This Series
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   Current Perspectives: Katherine Hair Eagle (’07 Printmaking)Oct. 2, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   COLOR Film Screening with Alteronce GumbySept. 19, 2025 @ 6 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Alteronce GumbySept. 18, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Ben Gould (’15 Painting)Sept. 4, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Rick LoweMay 1, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Baikei UehiraApril 17, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Donna SeamanApril 3, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Kira Dominguez HultgrenMarch 13, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Adam MaidaMarch 6, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Sean StarowitzFeb. 13, 2025 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Jedel Visiting Artist: Petah CoyneOct. 31, 2024 @ 6 p.m. 
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   Jedel Visiting Artist: Marcus BrownOct. 12, 2023 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Current Perspectives: Ann "Sole Sister" JohnsonSept. 21, 2023 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Rowland Ricketts: Invisible BlueMarch 30, 2023 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Bruce Metcalf: The Competence of CraftMarch 2, 2023 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Jedel Visiting Artist: Beili LiuOct. 20, 2022 @ 7 p.m. 
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   Lisa Reihana: Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūteauru and Ngati HineApril 7, 2022 
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   Clare Qualmann & Claire Hind: Ways to WanderFeb. 10, 2022 
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   Reena Saini Kallat: Deep Rivers Run QuietSept. 23, 2021 
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   Current Perspectives: Carlos AmoralesSept. 16, 2021 
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   Emory Douglas: Some American HistoryOct. 29, 2020 
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   Amir Zaki: Building and BecomingOct. 22, 2020 
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   Aram Han Sifuentes: Art in ActionSept. 24, 2020