Julius Karash

Julius A. Karash is a freelance writer, editor and public relations person. He formerly was a business reporter for the Kansas City Star and executive editor of KC Business magazine. He devours business and economic news, and is keenly interested in the relationship between arts and economic development in the Kansas City area.

‘Fighting the Good Fight’

Arts organizations, long accustomed to bolstering the public’s morale during tough times, have been shouldering their own share of suffering amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The seemingly relentless wrath of COVID has shut down venues, cancelled performances, suspended programs and put the kibosh on fundraising galas.

September 1, 2020
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KCI Public Art Plans Moving Ahead Despite Consultant Uncertainty

Despite a bit of uncertainty regarding a consultant, plans are moving ahead for public art at the new single terminal project under construction at Kansas City International Airport. James Martin, Kansas City’s public art administrator, said the city hopes to put out an initial call for artists in late summer or early fall. “We are […]

August 4, 2020
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Englewood Arts Aims to Revitalize Historic Independence Neighborhood with New Arts Center, Affordable Housing and More

As high rents continue to squeeze artists in areas such as the Crossroads Arts District, an historic Independence enclave aims to establish itself as an affordable arts magnet. Englewood Arts, a nonprofit organization launched in August, recently purchased the former Comprehensive Mental Health Services building at 10901 East Winner Road in Independence. Now renamed the […]

May 20, 2020
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Arts Organizations Provide Financial Help to Artists Navigating the “Crazy Storm” of COVID-19

Kansas City singer and harpist Calvin Arsenia was booked for performances all over the country until COVID-19 shut those performances down. “As an artist, all these contracts being turned to ashes means I have no income anymore,” Arsenia said. “A gig on the calendar is how I’m going to eat that month or that week […]

May 14, 2020
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KC Maintains Some Arts Funding but Eliminates Office of Culture and Creative Services

After weeks of uncertainty, the Kansas City Council on March 26 approved a budget that maintains the city’s commitment to fund arts programs. At the same time, however, the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget does not provide funding for the city’s Office of Culture and Creative Services (OCCS), which is being eliminated. Concerns over the city’s […]

April 1, 2020
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Kansas City Performing Artists See Incomes Trending Upward, But Community Support is Needed More Than Ever

As new technologies wreak creative destruction in our nation’s workplaces, many Kansas City performing artists are making a good living doing what they love. For example, dancers at the peak of their careers can make between $1,200 to $1,500 a week at the Kansas City Ballet. But not everyone thinks that’s enough. “I wish I […]

March 12, 2020
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