Grab your favorite kicks for the next REMIX at the KIA inspired by Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks.
Future: REMIX Tickets
$75 general admission and day-of
$65 for KIA Members
Become a member today to secure your ticket at the member’s price. Must be 21+. Tickets are nonrefundable and include entry for 1 person, 1 drink ticket, hors d’oeuvres, live DJs and access to the KIA galleries, including entry to Future Now.
Show off your fabulous footwear and join us at the KIA for an evening of fun and connection with DJs spinning, cash bar, savory bites and sweet treats, dancing and a “kicks contest” inspired by the KIA’s next exhibition Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks (on view through June 7, 2026).
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and feels of the KIA’s latest exhibitions with Future Now celebrating innovation, transformation and sustainability, the KIA’s incredible permanent collection, and the future in our own community with Young Artists of Kalamazoo County (on view through March 22, 2026).
Expect DJs, a cash bar, savory bites, sweet treats, access to our galleries, and a raffle with great prizes.
What’s a “kicks contest”?:
Drawing on the themes of Future Now, we invite you to wear your favorite or most beloved footwear. Break out a pair of shoes from your limited edition sneaker stash, your pointiest heels, your chunkiest boots, or your comfiest slipper. Judges will be keeping their eyes down looking for those innovative, transformational and sustainable footwear. Yes, there will be prizes!
What to Wear:
Check out some inspiration here! Think cocktail attire paired with your favorite, most unique or beloved footwear.
Featured Vendor: Phence & Post
Enjoy savory bites from Phence & Post, a family-rooted catering company built on community and values. Phence & Post specializes in chef-driven catering that blends bold flavors, elevated presentation, and Southern-inspired comfort.
Featured Beverage: Exhibit Ale
We are excited to offer Exhibit Ale during Future: REMIX, brewed in collaboration with Wax Wings Brewery. Exhibit Ale is a hazy IPA brewed with a special blend of juicy hops, 7.2% ABV. Must be 21+. Design by Hank Ewbank.
Featured Artist:
Charles Coates
Check out a live printmaking demo with Charles! A professional artist, founder of Block Paper Print, and a member of our printmaking faculty in the Kirk Newman Art School, Charles teaches courses that simplify relief printmaking so people can love the experience of hand-making prints.
Featured Music:
DJ Tribewalker
A DJ, producer, and promoter from Battle Creek, MI who knows how to keep the event flowing, DJ Tribewalker has provided memorable experiences at weddings, events, parties, and ceremonies since 2017.
Kicks Contest Judges
Meet Serena, Rehema, Paul, and Catherine, some of the judges of our Kicks Contest during Future: REMIX. They’ll want to see your most fabulous footwear, and will be awarding prizes for innovative design, sustainable materials, or transformative style!
Thank you to our sponsors:
Silver Sponsors:
Oliver S. Howell
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.
