Jeff Becker

Arts Incubator, Kansas City

Panelist - 10:45am, Wednesday, April 6th – UPSTARTS! Supporting Individual Creative Practitioners

Entrepreneur Jeff Becker has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience as a sculptor, design consultant, specialized fabricator, art gallery owner, manufacturer, and nonprofit developer and leader.  In 2001, Becker founded the Arts Incubator of Kansas City, a non-profit organization devoted to providing emerging artists in the Kansas City area with business assistance and affordable studio, shop, and gallery space.  As Executive Director of the Arts Incubator, Becker works with staff to develop and implement training programs for artists, recruit effective Board Members, identify earned income opportunities and build relationships with civic and philanthropic leaders.  He also curates numerous art exhibits ranging from local individual and community exhibits to national and international exhibits.

The Arts Incubator Kansas City has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for it’s innovative approach to supporting fine and commercial artists with entrepreneurial training. In 2010 the Arts Incubator was named the Best International Business Incubator Combining Creativity and Culture in Liverpool, UK by the Science Based Incubation Network.

In 2003, Becker was elected to the Crossroads Arts District Board.  He chaired the Visual Arts Committee and co-founded First Fridays, Kansas City’s monthly art event that brings in 20,000 to 40,000 visitors from the region and beyond.  Becker currently serves on the Kansas City Art Commission and consults with other cities and communities to develop their own arts incubation programs.