Art in the Loop Announces 2024 Call for Visual Artists Buck O’Neil Bridge Mural 

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF), on behalf of Massman – Clarkson, A Joint Venture and the  Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), is seeking an artist or artist team to create semi-permanent artwork for the area located underneath the Buck O’Neil Bridge currently under construction in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Visit MoDOT’s website for more information about the bridge project.

This project will serve to connect Downtown Kansas City with North Kansas City. The project team is committed to supporting local artists and connecting the underpass area to the community by commissioning artwork for the retaining wall located on the west side of Broadway near 4th and 3rd Streets. The artwork should speak to the bridge’s namesake Buck O’Neil, the waterfront and the community served within the community. This is a mixed-use district, with art galleries, small businesses, local restaurants, and apartments side by side with light industrial uses.

Project Intent:
The goal is to showcase the creativity and vibrancy of the Kansas City arts community by exhibiting artwork by a local artist or artist team on the exterior walls of the area located directly under the Buck O’Neil Bridge on the South side of the bridge. The artwork should help connect the bridge to the physical and historical context of the area and the Buck O’Neil namesake.

Mural Vision:

The general inspiration for this mural could include all or a combination of the following: 

  • History of the Riverfront area and historic bridges
  • Connections to the community both physically and emotionally 
  • Present day multicultural community
  • Bridge’s namesake – Buck O’Neil 

Visual Artists
The project team is seeking an artist or artist team to create semi-permanent artwork for an area located underneath the Buck O’Neil Bridge currently under construction in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Selected artist/artist team will receive funds and project support to bring their artwork alive for a semi-permanent outdoor mural. Click HERE for the call for visual artists. Click HERE for the link to the application. Applications are due: September 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST.

For information about eligibility, the selection process, evaluation criteria, and important dates, review the application guidelines. Questions may be directed to Project Director, Marissa Starke, marissastarke@gmail.com.

For more information contact: Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Downtown Council and Executive Director of the Art in the Loop Foundation. 

For more information about the project visit www.artintheloop.com, www.facebook.com/artintheloop, or https://www.instagram.com/artintheloop/ . 

Materials may be submitted via this form. LINK TO APPLICATION