The 52nd Season of the Visiting Artist Series is kicking off!

Quad City Arts announces the 2025–2026 Visiting Artist Series lineup, continuing a five-decade tradition of bringing world-class performers and creators into classrooms and communities across eastern Iowa and western Illinois. 

Like many arts organizations, Quad City Arts is navigating funding challenges that require thoughtful adjustments to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. This year’s series is not about doing less — it’s about focusing on what the organization does best: connecting people to extraordinary artists who spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through the arts. 
 
In addition to school and community workshops, each artist will present public performances, giving audiences across the Quad Cities the chance to experience these incredible talents live on stage. Performance dates and ticket information will be announced soon on the Quad City Arts website and social media channels. 
 
The season offers a vibrant mix of artists who honor traditional forms while bringing them into the present with fresh, relevant interpretations. Whether it’s classical piano infused with jazz and pop, cultural dance reimagined for today’s stage, or centuries-old musical traditions blended with modern rhythms, each artist bridges the past and present in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences. 
 
The 2025–2026 lineup includes: 

• Sons of Mystro – Classical Crossover / Hip-Hop 
  Educational Engagements: Sept. 22–26, 2025 
  South Florida brothers Malcolm and Umoja fuse reggae classics, American pop hits, and original compositions through electric violin, backed by DJ and drums. Mentored by Black Violin, their performances push the boundaries of the instrument while honoring cultural roots. 
  
  

• Nobuntu – Traditional & Contemporary Zimbabwean Rooted Music 
  Educational Engagements: Nov. 12–14, 2025 
  This award-winning female a cappella ensemble blends pure harmonies, mbira (thumb piano), and authentic dance to share the spirit of humility, unity, and family. Nobuntu’s work extends beyond the stage to social impact initiatives like The Nobuntu Pad Bank. 
  
  

• Barron Ryan – Pianist & Composer / Classical Crossover 
  Educational Engagements: Feb. 23–27, 2026 
  Named one of Smithsonian Magazine’s “Ten Innovators to Watch,” Barron blends classical mastery with jazz, pop, and funk influences, pairing jaw-dropping technique with humor and storytelling.
  
  

• Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande – Mexican Folklorico Dance 
  Educational Engagements: May 11–15, 2026 
  With dazzling costumes and precise choreography, this internationally acclaimed company celebrates Mexico’s regional dance traditions, sharing the cultural stories behind each performance. 

 
In addition to performances, each artist will lead school and community workshops, giving audiences of all ages the chance to engage with their craft. 

Quad City Arts will also host a series of community listening sessions this fall to gather ideas and feedback for a reimagined Visiting Artist Series that remains both artistically vibrant and financially sustainable. These sessions are a unique opportunity for community members, arts supporters, and educators to help shape the series for decades to come. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Executive Director Brian Allen to be included in the conversation. Through intentional planning and community dialogue, the community can help ensure that the Visiting Artist Series continues to connect people of all ages. We are confident that together we can reshape this program to not only be financially sustainable but also responsive, relevant, and inspiring for years to come. 
​
 “This is a moment of reflection, and more importantly, a moment of collaboration,” Brian Allen, Executive Director of Quad City Arts, noted. “The Visiting Artist Series has always been about more than performances — it’s about opening doors to new perspectives, cultures, and possibilities.” 
 
School staff can schedule residency engagements for this fall and next spring by visiting https://www.quadcityarts.com/vas-scheduling.  
​

---

About Quad City Arts 
Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts.   

The 2025-2026 season of Visiting Artist Series is supported by Scott County Regional Authority, National Endowment of the Arts, Rock Island Community Foundation, and Quad City Arts' Annual Fund. 
 
For Programming Questions Please Contact: Ben Gougeon, Director of Community Engagement, [email protected] or (309) 793-1213, ext. 100
 
For Additional Questions Please: Brian Allen, Executive Director at Quad City Arts,  [email protected] or 309-793-1213, ext. 101. 
​