History and Mission

In 1992 Helicon Nine, Inc., a private, non-profit, 501(c)3 independent educational organization founded in 1977 in Kansas City, Missouri, changed its name to the Midwest Center for the Literary Arts, Inc. The purpose was two-fold: (a) to expand its mission to include the founding of The Writers Place, a regional literary community center, library, and gallery that offers readings, workshops, panel discussions, book signings, performance art, and public and educational programs for all ages, and (b) to continue the publication of fine books of literature through Helicon Nine Editions. Thus, Gloria Vando and Bill Hickok founded The Writers Place, Kansas City’s source for literary expression.

The mission of The Writers Place is to promote writers and their work, to nurture an interest in writing and literature in a large, diverse audience and to contribute to the quality of cultural life in Kansas City and throughout the Midwest.

The ongoing mission of Helicon Nine Editions is to produce and promote books of unswerving quality, editorial excellence, and aesthetic merit-classics of the future.