The Culture House: A Kansas City Treasure Transforming Communities Through the Arts
Jeremiah Enna and Mona Storling chat with Unite KC
Olathe, Kansas, is home to a Kansas City treasure: The Culture House, a vibrant hub for artists and creatives, founded by Jeremiah Enna and his wife, Mona Störling. This unique space not only nurtures the talents of many local artists but also serves as a beacon for those committed to using the arts for a greater good. The Culture House, a school for artists, has become an integral part of the Kansas City community, with its impact reaching far beyond its walls. But how did Jeremiah, a Kansas City native, find himself at the intersection of art, culture, and meaningful conversations about race and unity?
A Passion for Communication and Empowerment
Jeremiah Enna often reflects on his journey and recalls two things he was always good at: writing and speaking. "I took every speaking opportunity I could get my hands on," he says. This drive led him to an impactful role as an anti-drug facilitator for Kathy Lee Crosby in Los Angeles. In this position, he worked with gang kids from East L.A., an experience that unexpectedly laid the groundwork for his future work in Kansas City and beyond.
His ability to connect with people and engage in difficult conversations, particularly around challenging social issues, became central to his mission as he returned to Kansas City. He began using his platform to promote understanding, inspire change, and address critical social issues, including racial dynamics and community healing.
A Global Vision and a Heart for Unity
Jeremiah’s journey took an unexpected turn when his dance company planned a tour that included a stop to host a conference. At this conference, he taught a class where he met Mona Störling, his future wife. Mona, originally from northern Finland, was immediately drawn to the vision Jeremiah shared for the arts and social change. Their shared passion for unity and social justice sparked deep conversations, leading them to explore the power of storytelling and its potential to shape a more unified world.
As they discussed American history, they discovered a powerful story that resonated deeply with both of them—a story not from the Bible, but one where God was the hero: the tale of the Underground Railroad. The unity between enslaved people and abolitionists was a compelling narrative that highlighted the power of people coming together for a just cause. This shared passion and vision led to the creation of The Underground, a powerful performance that would eventually become a transformative cultural experience for Kansas City and beyond.
The Making of The Underground
It took four years for Jeremiah and Mona to bring The Underground to life. Mona hand-made every costume herself, spending up to 35 hours on each one. The production, which featured over 200 artists, became a monumental work, not only for the artists involved but for the community it aimed to impact. Through The Underground, audiences experienced a deeply moving portrayal of history, showcasing the collaboration and courage of those who fought for freedom.
Jeremiah reflects on the profound impact the production had on everyone involved: “This show can potentially transition our city and nation from experiencing 'Black History' to American History.” The show’s message went beyond historical education; it became a catalyst for conversations on race, unity, and the power of working together for a common good.
A Vision for Change
As Jeremiah looks to the future, his commitment to using the arts for community transformation remains steadfast. The Culture House continues to be a place where artists are empowered to share their stories, and where people of all backgrounds come together to experience the healing power of art. For Jeremiah, the journey is about more than just creating art—it’s about creating a shift in how we treat one another and how we view the past and present.
“We lean toward selfishness – we need help to be good,” he says. “Deep down, I want to live my life overcoming myself for others. The action of others should not be why we are collectively not good people.”
Through The Culture House and The Underground, Jeremiah and Mona Enna continue to lead by example, using their platform to inspire change, foster unity, and challenge people to rethink how they engage with each other, especially across racial lines. Their work is a testament to the belief that the arts have the power to change hearts and minds, one story at a time.
