Programs and Studio Space for Creative Entrepreneurs
InterUrban ArtHouse will transform the Post Office in Downtown Historic Overland Park into a community center for arts and cultural studios. Phase-1a renovations include the purchase and improvements to the 10,000 square foot building to make it fully accessible. Phase-1b will include finishes to create studios, exhibition and programming space for a variety of creative entrepreneurs.
InterUrban ArtHouse became a non-profit in late 2012 from Artist Nicole Emanuel’s porch. Within the first year, the ArtHouse launched 5 programs and moved from a 2-room store front to a 5,000 square foot rental space where 9 studios now house 12 artists and shared programming space. Those artist studios were snapped-up within 24 hours with no vacancies. Over 4,000 people were directly served by the ArtHouse’s programs in 2014. However, the current lease offers no permanent rent control nor any handicap accessibility. That is why the ArtHouse seeks to own its own permanent location that is fully accessible.
The renovation design includes transforming the loading dock into the community’s cultural Front Porch and the ArtHouse’s entrance. The building ceilings are over 17 feet high, clear-span and there is an acre of property for events, like festivals, and plenty of parking. The Post Office (that housed the area’s industrial postal sorting for 50 years) will stay on-site with its local mail counter and post boxes. The new facility will be ready in 2016.
Probable tenants include Public GlassWorks KC; a community pottery studio; the ArtHouse’s office, exhibition and program area; and, up to 12 studios whose tenants have not been selected yet. Creative entrepreneurs are invited to submit letters of interest now, in advance of the Open Call for studio selection, which will be officially announced in 2016. In the meantime, ArtWorks, ArtsConnect, ArtMatters, ArtHeals and ArtSmart programming are on-going. For more information please visit InterUrbanArtHouse.org. or call 913.432.1916.
The Mission of the InterUrban ArtHouse is to enrich the
cultural and economic vibrancy of the community by creating a
place where artists and creative industries can work and prosper
in an affordable, sustainable and inclusive environment.
