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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Current Perspectives: Ben Gould (’15 Painting)
Sept. 4, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
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Current Perspectives: Alteronce Gumby
Sept. 18, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
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Jedel Visiting Artist: Raven Halfmoon
Nov. 13, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
Recent Events In This Series
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Current Perspectives: Rick Lowe
May 1, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
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Current Perspectives: Baikei Uehira
April 17, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
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Current Perspectives: Donna Seaman
April 3, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
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Current Perspectives: Kira Dominguez Hultgren
March 13, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
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Current Perspectives: Adam Maida
March 6, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
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Current Perspectives: Sean Starowitz
Feb. 13, 2025 @ 7 p.m.
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Jedel Visiting Artist: Petah Coyne
Oct. 31, 2024 @ 6 p.m.
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Jedel Visiting Artist: Marcus Brown
Oct. 12, 2023 @ 7 p.m.
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Current Perspectives: Ann "Sole Sister" Johnson
Sept. 21, 2023 @ 7 p.m.
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Rowland Ricketts: Invisible Blue
March 30, 2023 @ 7 p.m.
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Bruce Metcalf: The Competence of Craft
March 2, 2023 @ 7 p.m.
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Jedel Visiting Artist: Beili Liu
Oct. 20, 2022 @ 7 p.m.
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Lisa Reihana: Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūteauru and Ngati Hine
April 7, 2022
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Clare Qualmann & Claire Hind: Ways to Wander
Feb. 10, 2022
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Reena Saini Kallat: Deep Rivers Run Quiet
Sept. 23, 2021
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Current Perspectives: Carlos Amorales
Sept. 16, 2021
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Emory Douglas: Some American History
Oct. 29, 2020
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Amir Zaki: Building and Becoming
Oct. 22, 2020
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Aram Han Sifuentes: Art in Action
Sept. 24, 2020