Art is an Ecosystem: an article excluded from publication
David Wayne Reed is a dynamic artist and arts advocate in Kansas City. Recently, he posted on LinkedIn about an article he was asked to write for an arts publication. In an interesting turn of events, his article and insights were excluded from publication. Reed’s writing cites the history, power, and contribution of arts and culture to our city. It also acts as a call to action for artists to understand their importance in the fabric of our city, as well as the power that should come with it.
After reading the article, the remaining question is “Why was this writing excluded from publication?” Is it because he calls for perennial and increased investment in arts and culture? Or was highlighting displacement of artists an issue? Perhaps it was advocating that the voice of arts and culture to be included in decision making for our city?
His transparency about this experience showcases courage and in an effort to amplify discourse on this subject the full article is shared below, as well as a link to Reed’s website.
UPDATE (05/01/2024)
In response to David Wayne Reed, KCAC, and others public scrutiny over the omission of his writing from publication, Reed received a letter of apology and offer to discuss the situation further from the City of KCMO. This serves as a reminder of the power of transparency and the collective.
David Wayne Reed
(As recent Acting Chairman of the Municipal Art Commission, I was asked to write an article to be included in Art City 2024, a special magazine and public art catalogue for the City of Kansas City, Missouri published by KC Studio. I received minor edits back in January, made all suggested changes, and was told to expect publication in May. I received notice today that the City Manager’s office pulled my article as well as an article written by Kathryn Shields, long-serving Councilwoman, public servant and founder of the 1% for Public Art Program from inclusion in this publication. I was given no reason but instead “just a heads up.” Anyway, this is what I wrote.)
Arts & Culture are cornerstones of the identity on which Kansas City was built. Kansas City is a cultural wellspring, bearing and inspiring the talents of the many artists that have been nurtured here. Our city’s artistic contributions, innovations, and celebrities are acknowledged worldwide.
Here in the heartbeat of the country grows vital contemporary art, music, film and maker scenes where artists choose to live, work, and create a livelihood. In the five-county metro area, the arts and creative industries generate nearly 9,000 jobs and over $615 million in local economic impact annually and are only growing.
Art reflects and reveals the character, cultures, experiences, and values of a community. Art helps us to find our way, to make meaning, to honor histories, to share visions, to cultivate hope, and to shape change.
Arts and culture (and the artists and the subcultures who create them) are an economic boon to any community providing value, identity, positive social change, and prosperity. Art and Culture are critical to a healthy democracy and shape cultural and civic policy.
Art does not only exist in a frame, museum, stage, or sculpture outside a building. Art is an ecosystem. Arts are alive, vital, and artists are essential. Kansas City is a place where the history of great art and culture is not only to be celebrated but also to be sustained by pride, vision, leadership and perennial investment.
It is as critical to invest in the present and future of this ecosystem as it is to revere its history.
Art is an integral part of our infrastructure, as demonstrated by the 37-year history of the One Percent for Public Art program. This public art program and collection boasts many cultural assets that serve as a visual reminder of a point of civic and aesthetic pride as seen in the artworks at the new airport terminal, in sculptures and popular community programs across the city. Our public art is for all — diverse, inclusive, and accessible.
I hope that this program continues to expand (to 2% to include performing arts!), and that art and artists are included in the conversations and are at the decision-making tables that center art in our city’s infrastructure. Art must be a foundational part of our expectations for and our aspirations for our communities. Artists must no longer be utilized as the unwitting earthworms of gentrification. Cities must ensure that artists be able to sustain affordable livelihoods in our cities and not suffer displacement from the places they helped to create.
We must regard art and artists as a perennial crop, not as boutonnieres. Let’s advocate and raise our voices on behalf of art and artists as a critical part of the city and the ecosystem. Like most ecosystems, there is the omnipresent threat of endangerment, and the need for conservation and protection is vital to all of us as a habitat, as a city, and as a world-class destination.