Kingdom Image Arts

KIA is the brainchild of an impassioned team dedicated to empowering all generations through inspirational arts, education, an influential programming contributing to personal wellness, economic impact, and social change. In 2010, KIA set into motion a series of programs designed to increase awareness and appreciation for BIPOC performing artists whose diverse range of talents bring enduring change to the Columbus, Ohio creative ecosystem. Founded with an eye toward equitable distribution of cultural resources, KIA has expanded its programming over the years to include a performance series, a youth arts education program workforce development initiatives, an annual awards ceremony, and an app for broadcasting live-and pre-recorded performances. By diversifying the delivery of arts experiences and challenging expectations about the types of genres that invite participation by audiences of color, KIA inspires and uplifts historically marginalized communities in Columbus. KIA welcomes audiences and participants from all demographics within the Columbus metropolitan area, but its outreach has focused on predominantly BIPOC neighborhoods whose residents generally fall within the low-income categories established by HUD. With its 9-member board, a staff of 10, a growing roster of volunteers, and an established network of partners. KIA has embraced a multi-pronged approach to serving its audiences. Whether hosting renowned BIPOC artists at professional-capacity theaters or transforming spaces not typically associated with the performing arts into vital sites of community engagement, KIA follows its guiding principle of looking within and reaching beyond.