The World in Kansas City, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, March 6—August 9, 2026

Initially inspired by conversations around the 2026 World Cup and potential influx of international visitors to Kansas City, this exhibition foregrounds the already present and increasingly expansive global context in which we live. For hundreds of years, people from different regions of the world have migrated to the region for a variety of reasons—from fleeing upheavals in their homelands to seeking new opportunities. Our artistic community has reflected this dynamic, supported by area universities and arts institutions and organizations, drawing artists from across the globe. While not intended to represent the entire world, this exhibition recognizes the complexity of these histories and narratives and commemorates this city’s evolving global spirit by featuring artists with global backgrounds who have either established themselves or had meaningful experiences in the city and region. Critically, their practices examine nuanced and interconnected systems, ideas, and experiences, revealing how we all belong to a shared social and cultural fabric.

Images: EG Schempf and Kenny Johnson