Somewhere Fest and Conference: Coming Home to Wichita June 13th.
As a Wichita native that has only recently started to be immersed in the local art and music scene, I was thrilled to witness the evolution of our city’s cultural landscape with the recent rebranding of Elsewhere Fest to Somewhere Fest. This transformation signifies more than just a name change; it reflects a renewed commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement in the heart of Kansas.
The inaugural Elsewhere Fest , a two-day music and arts festival and conference in Wichita, Kansas, was a groundbreaking event, bringing together diverse talents like Grammy-winner Killer Mike, electronic music icon Steve Aoki, and alternative hip-hop artist Vince Staples. The festival seamlessly integrated performances across five venues with art exhibitions, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression. The accompanying two-day conference featured insightful discussions led by non-profit leaders and music industry experts, offering valuable perspectives applicable beyond the music realm. This holistic approach not only showcased Wichita’s potential as a cultural hub but also ignited a collective passion for the arts within our community.
This year, Midtopia is building upon this foundation, Somewhere Fest aims to delve deeper into the unknown, encouraging experimentation and shared consciousness to unearth ideas that can better our world. The festival remains not-for-profit, ensuring accessible ticket pricing, and boasts a genre-agnostic lineup that spans from hip-hop to EDM. Attendees can look forward to hands-on opportunities to engage with music creation and community organization, all while upholding principles of radical inclusivity. A standout feature is the free concert stage, embodying the festival’s dedication to making art accessible to all.
As an artist and active participant in Wichita’s creative community, I am inspired by Somewhere Fest’s mission and its potential to further elevate our city’s cultural profile. The festival’s emphasis on collaboration and transformative action resonates deeply with my own artistic journey. I am eager to contribute to this vibrant dialogue, whether through sharing my experiences, engaging in workshops, or collaborating on visual art projects that reflect our collective aspirations.
The evolution from Elsewhere to Somewhere symbolizes a homecoming—a realization that the cultural renaissance we seek is blossoming right here in Wichita. It’s an invitation to all creatives, thinkers, and community members to immerse themselves in this movement, to explore uncharted territories of expression, and to co-create a future where art and community are intertwined.
I encourage everyone to join Wichita, the place I call home, at Somewhere Fest, to experience the fusion of music, art, and community, and to be part of a festival that is as much about discovery as it is about celebration. Together, we can transform our city into a beacon of creativity and inclusivity, proving that the cultural epicenter we’ve been searching for has been here all along.
The first year of the festival and conference was more than event for me - it was a creative catalyst. Experiencing the convergence of art, music, and community reaffirmed my passion for Wichita’s creative scene and deepened my desire to contribute in a meaningful way. Seeing how that single weekend could transform our city into a place to be for artistic expression not only to live, but thrive. That epiphany pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and start branching out to build more local connections with other creatives and advocate for Wichita’s creative potential. Not only did I feel an incredible sense of positivity for the future of the entertainment scene, it got me researching and reflecting on the past I was unaware of - enter my passion project turned year long exhibition at CityArts Detour Wichita. But this isn’t about me, this is about something else, no- somewhere else…
While you’re here, take a moment to explore my portfolio and see what resonates. If you believe we could create something remarkable together, let’s connect. Or, if you’re simply browsing, enjoy the diverse array of artworks that reflect the spirit of our vibrant community.
Elsewhere Fest Lineup? Nope, Somewhere Fest Line Up. Somewhere-fest bands announced earlier this week and the headliners are great for EDM and Hip Hop Fans. The local artists are stacked as well and very much a can’t miss in June.