Queer Narratives Festival 2026
The Queer Narratives Festival (QNF) is Kansas City’s multi-disciplinary queer arts festival focused on queer artists living and working in Kansas City or surrounding region. We center queer voices through performance, visual art, and community-centered programming. We are back for our 7th year, featuring a curated visual arts exhibition at Smalter Gallery and a one-day performance showcase at The Ship.
Performing Application
We are seeking bold, developed work from queer performers across disciplines: Poetry, Dance, Comedy, Drag, Live Music, and Interdisciplinary Art. Your work does not need to be explicitly about queerness; we are interested in the full spectrum of your creativity.
Selected performers receive:
$300 honorarium (individual) / $500 (bands).
Performance on the professionally managed stage at The Ship.
Feature in festival marketing and press.
Deadline to Apply: April 19, 2026.
Info Session: April 9th, 6 PM @ Smalter Gallery.
QNF Alumni Selection Panel
Melissa Ferrer Civil she/they (QNF 2023)
Stephonne he/she/they (QNF 2025)
Oscar Trujillo he/she/they (QNF 2025)
Lava Dreams she/they (QNF 2021)
Visual Art Application
This exhibition centers queer artists, not only work explicitly about queerness, but work that emerges from artists who navigate the world through queer lived experience. We are interested in how identity, environment, history, material, and imagination intersect in queer artists’ practice.
Selected artists will receive a $100 honorarium for accepted work.
Smalter Gallery will retain a 30% commission on works sold.
No Divide KC does not take commission.
Artists retain full ownership of their work.
Deadline to Apply: April 19, 2026.
Info Session: April 9th, 6 PM @ Smalter Gallery.
Selection Process
Work will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of No Divide KC representatives, invited arts professionals, and Smalter Gallery’s curator, Lee Smalter, serving as lead curator.
Not ready to apply but want to learn more?
Meet us at the No Divide Studio on April 9th at 6 PM for our Info Session
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@No Divide KC Studio
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Party during the Queer Narratives Festival on an unforgettable night of Fabolous bands, desks & drag? Yes! Think music classroom meets ballroom at the No Divide KC Studio.
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Queers Care is our annual gathering where queer and trans folks connect with affirming health professionals, movement makers, and each other.
No jargon, no gatekeeping, free resources, and time to build trust face-to-face.
Hosted in collaboration with trusted partners across Kansas City, Queers Care is an invitation to rest, ask questions, meet your next provider, and walk away with something useful, whether that’s a referral, a truth, or a hug.
In collaboration with KU Gender Diversity Clinic.
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Join Miana Abramson on her debut as the first artist resident at No Divide KC.
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BIG NEWS!
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BIG NEWS! 〰️
The Shadowcliff x No Divide KC Residency
A Mountain Sanctuary for the Creative Soul
No Divide KC is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Shadowcliff Residency in Grand Lake, Colorado. This 2027 residency opportunity is designed for artists to escape the chaos of the everyday and find deep focus, renewal, and inspiration amidst the breathtaking peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
Two artists—one performer and one visual artist—will be selected from the current Queer Narratives Festival lineup to receive a free one-week residency at Shadowcliff.
This residency is designed for "research and reflection", a gift of time and space to breathe, look at the mountains, and contemplate, work and develop your next project.
There is no application for this residency. Selection is made by the No Divide KC curatorial team based on the work presented during this year’s festival. The two selected artists will be announced live during the festival, so ensure you are present!
The Residency Experience
Timeline: The residency will take place for one week during the summer of 2027 (June – September), based on Shadowcliff’s availability. Scheduling will be coordinated directly with Shadowcliff in September 2026.
Lodging: Selected artists will stay at either the Remple Lodge (dormitory-style shared bathrooms, guest kitchen) or Cliffside (private bathrooms, full home kitchen). All rooms feature a writing desk and views of the natural world.
The Maker Space & Facilities
While this is a "non-technical" residency, artists have access to incredible local resources through Shadowcliff’s partnerships:
For Performers: Access to a small space for practice or intimate performance in a beautiful converted chapel.
For Visual Artists: Proximity to the Grand Spirit Maker Space and the Rocky Mountain Folk School (5-minute walk), featuring ceramic studio and metal equipment (available via previous arrangement).
Nature & Connection: Beyond your art, you are invited to explore. Shadowcliff can facilitate field trips, such as elk watching in the park meadows or visits to nearby hot springs.
Logistics
Accessibility: Please note that Shadowcliff is located on a mountainside and is not ADA compliant. The terrain is rugged and may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Please reach out to discuss specific access questions.
Travel: While a travel stipend is currently TBD, transportation is provided once you arrive. Shadowcliff offers shuttle services from Denver and local van transportation for grocery runs.
Campus Rules: Shadowcliff is a no-smoking campus (due to high fire risk). Pets and weapons are strictly prohibited.
Community: Bathrooms and kitchens are shared facilities, fostering a sense of communal respect and connection.
For more information on the mission of Shadowcliff, visit shadowcliff.org
“I believe NDKC is at the forefront of necessary active change that maintains and creates contemporary art in all mediums”
Queer Narratives Festival 2022 - Vaughan Harrison
“Look no further for one of the city’s best examples for nurturing LGBTQ+ communities”
Queer Narratives Festival 2025 - Kat King
“Sincerely - the Queer Narratives Festival goes above and beyond what I have seen other organizations do so far, and this reflects highly of No Divide KC”
