St. Joseph arts groups host candidate forum focused on culture and community 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Arts and culture organizations across St. Joseph are coming together to host a special candidate forum Thursday.

The forum will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art.

The conversation will focus entirely on how arts, culture and museums help shape the future of the community. 

The forum will bring City Council and mayoral candidates into one space for a moderated discussion centered on four key topics: sustainability, tourism and economic impact, social impact and community access and how arts and culture connect people from different backgrounds.  

Brent Martin will moderate the event.

The forum is a nonpartisan event and the hosting organizations won’t be endorsing any candidates. Instead, the goal is to give candidates a chance to share their perspectives—and to help the public better understand how arts and culture fit into each candidate’s vision for the city.  

Organizers are encouraging community members, artists, supporters and stakeholders to attend.

They said a strong turnout from the arts community will highlight the collective impact of local organizations and reinforce the importance of continued investment in the sector.