Smart Talks. Cold Drinks.
Presenting THINK & DRINK – where the curious gather. This ongoing lecture series delivers a wide array of topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. These community-driven events are powered by a collaboration between UMKC, Linda Hall Library, The Third Place Historian, and Casual Animal Brewing Company.
Your RSVP is appreciated to help us preset the room and accommodate as many seats as possible for interested attendees. You will also receive at least 1 reminder email about the event when you RSVP.
March 19, 2026
The Myth of the Artist: How Kansas City Creatives Really Make a Living
Speaker: Cory Imig, Director of Alumni Relations and Professional Practice Center, Kansas City Art Institute
A thriving arts community isn’t built on individual genius alone—it’s built on networks, partnerships, and shared investment, and Kansas City’s creative ecosystem depends on all of us. Kansas City has a long history of artists building careers through collaboration, resourcefulness, and community—not just working alone in studios. This talk traces the evolution of the KC art scene from its early artist-run spaces and civic roots to today’s dynamic ecosystem, where artists move between independent studio practice, institutional partnerships, and unexpected settings like hospitals, theaters, and civic organizations. Drawing on examples from the Kansas City Art Institute—including innovative partnerships like Sponsored Studio with Children’s Mercy and insights from alumni career outcomes—the presentation challenges the myth of the “solo artist” and reveals how creatives actually sustain their work today. Through storytelling and real-world examples, the talk explores how artists shape Kansas City—and how the city, in turn, shapes its artists.
Speaker Bio: Cory Imig is an artist and arts leader based in Kansas City. She serves as Director of Alumni Relations and the Professional Practice Center at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), where she works at the intersection of career development, alumni engagement, and community partnerships. Cory has led innovative initiatives that connect artists to real-world opportunities, including mentorship programs, experiential learning partnerships, and cross-sector collaborations with local organizations and other cultural institutions.
As a practicing artist and educator, Cory is deeply interested in how artists build sustainable, meaningful careers while contributing to the cultural life of their communities. Her work focuses on demystifying creative career paths and strengthening Kansas City’s arts ecosystem through collaboration and strategic partnership.
