Night/Shift
Night/Shift
Register in advance or on site when you arrive
Thursday, Oct. 9
5-9pm
Free
Let your intuition lead the way at Night/Shift: Yes, And, where the spirit of improv—collaboration, communication, and building on the moment—push us to unexpected places. Guided by local artists, we’ll ditch the script and dive in for a night of spontaneous creativity.
Live jazz sets the scene with a call-and-response musical mash-up. Add your own frame to a stop-motion animation that grows throughout the night. Meet and mingle in low-pressure improv games or try your hand in a high-stakes round of puppet karaoke. Whether you break into the action or cheer from the sidelines, say “Yes, And” to explore the interplay between process, product, and performance.
In the galleries, discover how artists push the boundaries of photography in More is More. Uncover the story behind Wrapped Walk Ways. Flow into a current of inspiration in Water Embodied.
About Night/Shift
Night/Shift is a free and free form evening of creative encounters featuring live art and live acts by local artists among the museum’s 5,000 years of creative culture.
Featured Lineup
Live Acts
Call & Response | JASS
5-7 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Spin the Wheel of Jass! The audience sets up each song in this surprise fusion of jazz, pop, soul, and storytelling.
Ongaku Kissa (Listening Cafe) | Vice Versa Collective
Three 20-min sessions; 5:45, 6:45, 7:45 pm | Gallery 205
Soak up a music- and movement-based meditation on the power of water. At the Wishing Net, add a wish for the group to interpret.
Puppet Karaoke | What if Puppets & Puppet Pie
7:30-8:30 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Step into the spotlight for an epic all-puppet, all-lip sync version of karaoke or join in the shuttlecock finger puppet choir.
Live Art
Interactive demos, artmaking, and pop-up installations
Studio Sprint: Sticking Together | Local Teaching Artists
5-9 pm | Classroom 4
Make a scene and snap a photo. Add props or Post-its, then pose in an installation made by teachers with artist Sandy Skoglund.
Playing Beyond the Frame | KCAI Animation Studio
5-9 pm | Noguchi Court
Bring the art to motion. Make a move, manipulate materials, and add frames to an evolving stop-motion animation.
More is More in Motion Pictures | Artist Films
5-9 pm | Atkins Auditorium
Drop in to view short, experimental films by artists in the photography exhibition More is More.
Photo Booth Art
5-9 pm | Noguchi Court, Block, or Kirkwood
Get creative in four frames. Need inspiration? Check out examples of photo booth art in the exhibition More is More.
Mixing Labs
Social spaces for meeting and making connections
Connecting Through Comedy | Truck Noises Improv & Sketch Comedy
6-6:45 & 7-7:45 pm | Lens 2
Say “No” to boring networking and “Yes, And” to boosting your communication, and playfulness through improv games. No experience required—come laugh and make some noise!
Chat Lines | Friends of Art Council
5–9 pm | Kirkwood Hall
Bend, twist, and shape wire into sculptures and collaborate or combine with others. Enter the raffle for a free membership!
Gallery Side Quests
Level up your art game in the galleries. Collect four stamps for a surprise from the Friends of Art while supplies last.
- Keeping Up with the Sun | Impressionism 127
- Live Wires | Modern Art 129
- A Golden Anniversary | American Art 214
- Architect of Shadows | Minimalism L4
- More is More | Photography L11
- Walking Walls | Gallery Walk
Food & Drink
5-8:30 pm | Bloch Lobby & Kirkwood Hall
Lite bites, signature cocktails, wine, beer, and N/A drinks available for purchase.
Night/Shift is made possible with support from the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation.
Night/Shift know-how
Who can attend?
Night/Shift is designed for guests who are 18 and older, however, the museum is open to the public during Night/Shift and all ages are welcome.
What should I wear?
- Appreciate – don’t appropriate – other cultures.
- Glitter is prohibited in the museum.
- Large bags and some accessories may not be permitted in the galleries. Free coat check is available near the Museum Store.
What does it cost?
- General admission to museum galleries is free.
- Registration is required. Register online in advance or when you arrive.
- Become a member during Night/Shift to receive free daily admission to special exhibitions and free garage parking — that night and year-round.
- Art and specialty merch will be available for purchase. Support the featured local artists and small businesses and swing by the Museum Store for other goodies.
Will there be food and drinks?
- Yes! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. A valid ID is required to purchase alcoholic beverages.
- Outside food and drink are prohibited.
How do I get there?
- The museum’s parking garage is located at 45th and Oak Streets. Garage parking is $14 per vehicle or free for members.
- Rideshare areas are located in the circle drive on the museum’s North Plaza.
- There are four entrance options: via the parking garage, at street level on 45th Street (one through the Nelson-Atkins Building, one through the Bloch Building), and via the Nelson-Atkins Building from the Sculpture Park.
- See the museum map for wayfinding information.
Can I request an accommodation?
Yes! If you require an accommodation or have accessibility concerns, contact our helpdesk at 1Art@nelson-atkins.org. You may also explore the museum’s accessibility resources.