Transgenderism is more mainstream than ever in 2015, if only because of unprecedented media coverage surrounding the transition of Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn Jenner. Local writer Carlos Perez stands to benefit from the trend with his new transgender stage drama, In Hyding, although he wasn’t influenced by the former Olympic champion and reality TV star coming out as female.

Regardless of their differences, the arts and faith communities share a belief in the human need to connect. It’s also true that, to a great extent, local artists depend on community support. REACH—an alliance of Kansas City-area churches—has established the “Gift of Faith” awards to lend such support to Kansas City-based artists.

Nancy Horan’s first bestselling historical novel Loving Frank examined the complicated personal life of Frank Lloyd Wright.