Our Mission
To enrich the cultural and economic vibrancy of the community by creating a place where artists and creative industries can work and prosper in an affordable, sustainable and inclusive environment.
Our Core Objectives
- To offer a place where artists and creative industries can make and support art in a stable and affordable environment.
- To promote and facilitate the successful entrepreneurism of the creative industries by sharing resources, building connections and supporting collaborations.
- To support growth and sustainability of the arts through education and professional and artistic development.
- To fully integrate arts activities within the community by creating an open atmosphere through engagement, inclusivity and diversity.
- To leverage Metro Arts Corridor as a unique livable location and vibrant arts region, aligning with regional, state and national initiatives (such as Creative Placemaking, KC Regional Cultural Plan, Suburban Arts Business Plan).
InterUrban ArtHouse is a designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Our History
InterUrban ArtHouse was founded and developed by local community artist, Nicole Emanuel. We began in 2011 as a series of conversations with artists, arts organizations and civic and business leaders. It was clear there was a void in arts resources and studio facilities for Northeast Kansas.
The release of several reports including The Status of Artists in Kansas City, the Suburban Arts Business Plan, Arts & Economic Prosperity Study IV and Local Arts Index reports provided the hard evidence that points to a need for a cultural and creative hub at the Southwestern end of the Metro Arts Corridor, a region that stretches across the state line from Downtown KC.
Kansas City’s creative renaissance is anchored in these downtown locations. Combined with the new Art & Heritage Center, Nerman Museum and Johnson County Community College, a unique arts ecology is created with Historic Downtown Overland Park at its centre.