Queer Narratives Festival

Visual Arts

Open call

Key Dates

Open Call Deadline: April 19, 2026 ( 11:59PM CST)

Notification of Acceptance: May 4, 2026

Info Session: TBD

Installation Window TBD

Exhibition Dates: July 17 - August 21, 2026

Main Festival Night (at KCAI): August 8, 2026

About the Exhibition

No Divide KC is proud to partner with Smalter Gallery for the 2026 Queer Narratives Festival exhibition. Queer Narratives is an exhibition featuring work by queer artists living and working in Kansas City and the surrounding region.

This exhibition centers queer artists and the work that emerges from artists who navigate the world through queer lived experience. We welcome work that reflects:

  • Exploration of queer identities and lived experience

  • Contemporary perspectives on community and belonging

  • Personal or collective histories

  • Experimental or installation-based approaches

  • Strong, gallery-ready work suitable for exhibition and sale

This is an exhibition with a focus on high-quality, cohesive presentation.

Artist Support & Sales

  • Selected artists will receive a $100 honorarium per accepted work.

  • Smalter Gallery will retain a 30% commission on works sold.

  • No Divide KC does not take commission.

  • Artists retain full ownership of their work.

Selection Process

Work will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of No Divide KC representatives, invited arts professionals, and Lee Smalter, serving as lead curator.

Eligibility

  • Artists must identify as queer.

  • Artists must be based in Kansas City or the surrounding region.

  • All mediums are welcome, including painting, sculpture, fiber, photography, ceramics, digital art, installation, and video.



Information Session

For questions regarding visual submissions: waleska@nodividekc.org

Learn more about Queer Narratives Festival:
https://www.nodividekc.org/queernarrativesfestival