KC Studio Magazine Celebrates First Anniversary
The staff of KC Studio Magazine and the management of Townsend Communications Inc. united with leaders from KCPT and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and representatives of more than 20 arts organizations (70 in attendance from galleries, artists, museums and performing art venues) to celebrate the magazine’s first anniversary in 
its revised format May 6 at the Kauffman Foundation.
At KC Studio’s inaugural “Meeting of the Minds,” Townsend Communications President & Publisher Guy Townsend expressed his excitement and appreciation for the collaboration with KCPT and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Townsend consultant Heidi Nast, one of the event organizers, acknowledged the “rich tapestry of representatives from galleries, artists themselves, the Crossroads 18th Street Fashion Show and museums in Kansas City.” She applauded the presidents, executive directors, artistic and marketing directors and board members that joined the event. She also thanked the magazine anchors, KCPT and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for their dedication and support. The magazine rolled off the presses one year ago. “We couldn’t be happier with the legs that it’s grown in one brief year.”
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts consultant Dalene Bradford and KCPT Public Information & Special Events Vice President Kevin Worley both spoke. Bradford talked about how the collaboration within the magazine has benefited the center’s financial growth during its construction with stories about arts ambassadors and the future tenants — the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera. Worley explained the demographics of KCPT viewers. “Viewers typically have a higher income and higher level of education. When it comes to local programming, they are interested in public affairs and the arts.”
Townsend Creative Director Alex Morales shared why KC Studio tells the arts stories and editor Kellie Houx shared how the magazine tells the stories. A significant portion of the morning event was a roundtable discussion on how arts groups are reaching out to the community through community days and free events. There were suggestions on how to improve the magazine and plans to hold an annual event to bring together the arts organizations in town.
Townsend Sales and Marketing Vice President Christin Turley says the turnout pleased her. “It was a great representation of the arts organizations and the people we represent. We got great feedback about what they want and what they are looking for from KC Studio. It was important to come together, to put faces with names among the arts groups and for Townsend and KC Studio. The discussion about collaboration and what might help them was valuable. We all look forward to meeting annually. We can keep our fingers on the pulse of the arts community, what they need and what they want us to be.”
Our heartfelt thanks to the attendees from the following organizations:
Anne Garney Gallery |
ARTichokes Gallery |
Artistic Solutions |
Bach Aria Soloists |
Carlsen Center-Johnson County Community College |
Change the Truth |
City in Motion Dance Theater |
Coterie Theatre |
Friends of Overland Park Arts |
Heart of America Chorus |
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival |
Historic Northeast Cultural Arts Commission |
Images Art Gallery |
Jardine's |
Kacico Dance |
Kansas City Ballet |
Kansas City Chamber Orchestra |
Kansas City Power & Light District |
Kansas City Repertory Theatre |
Kansas City String Quartet |
Kansas City Symphony |
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts |
KCPT Public Television |
Leedy-Voulkos Art Center |
Lyric Opera |
Martin City Melodrama |
Mattie Rhodes Center |
Metropolitan Ensemble Theater |
MidAmerica Pastel Society |
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation |
Musical Theater Heritage |
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art |
newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble |
North Bridge Gallery |
Northeast Arts Commission |
Northland Symphony Orchestra |
Overland Park Convention Bureau |
Present Magazine |
Puppetry Arts Institute |
Quality Hill Playhouse |
Starlight Theatre |
The Barn Players |
Union Station |
West 18th Street Fashion Show |