Art in the Loop Announces 2025 Calls for Visual & Performing Artists

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is in search of both visual and performing artists to bring their creativity to Downtown Kansas City for the 12th Annual Art in the Loop Project. Through a competitive, open-call process, AILF selects local artists to exhibit their artwork, create site-specific artwork, or perform along and near the KC Streetcar route and at other sites in Downtown Kansas City from May – October. 

2025 Theme: Wonder

This year’s theme, Wonder, invites artists to explore the depth of curiosity within our community and the ways in which we relate to one another. We encourage artists to reflect on the complexities of connection, discovery, and the shared experiences that shape us.

Consider the following prompts: How do we navigate our differences and still build meaningful relationships? What’s the next step in your personal journey, and how does it intersect with the larger community? What values or causes are most important to you, and how do they align with the needs of those around you? What is your focus—what are you paying attention to, and what deserves more of our collective attention? What serves you, and what serves the community? What does true north mean to you—what is your guiding principle?

Wonder is also sparked by the unexpected and the unfamiliar—the moments that catch us off guard and make us pause. What are the exciting, surprising, or even strange things in the world around you that inspire you to embrace the power of community? We encourage you to dive into this sense of wonder and let it guide your creative expression.  

Application Process

The application requires a written description of your proposal, a concept, and a short narrative about your goals for public engagement. Stipends range from $750-$2,500 depending on the category. The deadline for submissions is Monday, February 17, 11:59 p.m. CST. Applications must be made online via the application portals.

Visual Artists

AILF asks local artists to exhibit their artwork along and near the KC Streetcar route in Downtown Kansas City. Your artwork will be viewed by thousands of KC Streetcar riders and Downtowners daily! Selected artists will receive funds and project support to bring their artwork alive for a 6-month outdoor program. Click here for the call for visual artists.

This year visual artists may submit proposals in 4 categories:

• KC Streetcar Wrap 
• KC Streetcar Shelter (Within the Frame)
• KC Streetcar Shelter OR Oppenstein Park Mural
• ArtWall
  

For information about eligibility, the selection process, evaluation criteria, and important dates, review the application guidelines. Applicants are also encouraged to learn about artist projects from previous years. Annual catalogs from past years’ programs can be found here. Questions may be directed to Visual Art Director, Khyneesha Edwards, neesha_edwards@yahoo.com.

Performance Artists

This performance series will feature multi-sensory performances such as spoken word, dance, music, improv, social practice, etc., while also highlighting the visual artworks installed along the KC Streetcar route. Click here for the call for performance artists. 

Artists will receive a stipend for their work and selected artists will perform at one of five Art in the Loop events including 

• Kick-off Ceremony at the Central Library
• Onboard KC Streetcar
• 816 Day at City Market
• Evening concert at Oppenstein Park 
• or the Closing Reception at the Kansas City Public Library Central Library. 

For information about eligibility, the selection process, evaluation criteria, and important dates, review the application guidelines. Applicants are also encouraged to learn about artist projects from previous years. Annual catalogs from past years’ programs can be found here. Questions may be directed to Performance Art Director, Jade Osborne, jadeosborneart@gmail.com.

Information Sessions

Learn more about the calls at an information session:

• Thursday, January 23, 6-7 p.m. at Charlotte Street Foundation, Register Here
• Thursday, January 30, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. at Kemper Museum of Art, Register Here
• Thursday, January 30, 6-7 p.m., Virtual – AIGA Kansas City, Register Here
• Saturday, February 1, 1-2 p.m., Kansas City Artists Coalition, Register Here
• Thursday, February 6, 6-7 p.m. at InterUrban ArtHouse, Register Here

Community, Sponsors & Supporters

Artists have played a key role in the revitalization of Downtown Kansas City over the past few decades and this will continue. In the words of renowned local artist Michael Toombs,  “Through projects like Art in the Loop, Downtown KC is becoming part of a highly visible cultural landscape that reminds us of who we are, as well as inspires us in who we are yet to become.” We have unique opportunities for your organization to connect with the community and support local artists through sponsorships and charitable donations. 

We appreciate the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, Copaken Brooks, and the Kansas City Art Institute. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation, and the Francis Family Foundation. 

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 and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com, www.facebook.com/artintheloop, or www.instagram.com/artintheloop. 

Celebrate what made Kansas City’s 2024 Art in the Loop Project: Convivencia great at our Closing Reception on Wednesday, November 6, 5:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library Central Library. The curated outdoor exhibition, staged in partnership with the KC Streetcar Authority, wraps up with a reception, illustrated review, and reflection on this year’s entries.

Art in the Loop organizers and participants look back on the artistic works and performances featured from June to September. Art directors Jade Osborne and Marissa Starke will lead a presentation highlighting all the offerings, and selected artists present their works and discuss their experiences.

The event includes poetry of Fenom D. Poet, social practice engagement with Sheri Purpose Hall and dance performance by Oliva Emert & Company.

A reception and live performance will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by the program at 6:00 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public; however, we do ask that you RSVP for planning purposes.

2024 marks the 11th year of the Art in the Loop Project. The Art in the Loop Project is a curated outdoor exhibition of temporary artworks presented in partnership with the KC Streetcar Authority. Artists responded to the 2024 theme of the Spanish word Convivencia. Convivencia is a shared life with others that is a constant practice, effort, negotiation, and joint achievement while recognizing friction or opposing energy. We recognize that artists are familiar with navigating space, energy, and time amongst one another and within their communities.

Julia Morris designed her streetcar wrap inspired by the Bible verse Eph 4:2 which requests that we be patient and accepting of each other.

Twins Ellie and Maggie Newlin designed “K. See. The Good” for the Crossroads northbound streetcar stop mural.

Art in the Loop and the Downtown Council of Kansas City (DTC) are pleased to announce a call for artists for the 2024 State of Downtown KC Event on Wednesday, November 20, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the new Origin Hotel, 1001 Riverfront Drive in Kansas City, Missouri.

There are three opportunities for performance, visual and social practice artists to participate in this exciting new event that will showcase the creative and innovative vibe of Downtown Kansas City.

About the State of Downtown Event
The State of Downtown is presented by the Downtown Council of Kansas City. As Downtown’s steward and champion, we are bringing the best parts of our district to the new Origin Hotel, located on the Berkley Riverfront. In March, the area celebrated the opening of CPKC Stadium, home to the KC Current and the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a professional women’s sports team. The stadium will anchor an $800 million dollar mixed-use district which will start construction later this year.

The event will highlight the Riverfront’s development as Downtown continues to transform from a single-use office district into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood animated by residents, visitors, and employees. In addition, we will share the latest data illustrating Downtown’s growth and recovery from the pandemic as well as showcase the vibe of our city through local artists, live music, and more.

Event Timeline

• 3:30 – 4:30 pm – Networking (featuring Downtown’s vibe) – Live music, interactive art booths, event photo station, food and drinks
• 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Program – Welcome / South Loop Announcement, State of Downtown Key Metrics & Data (Data telling the story of Downtown Kansas City), Guest Speakers, Concluding Remarks
• 5:30 – 6:30 pm – Resume Networking (featuring Downtown’s vibe) – Live music, interactive art booths, event photo station, food and drinks

Theme Summary
Great downtowns are no longer reducible to offices. Throughout history, they have been the most adaptive and resilient districts in our cities. Continual works in progress, they have been rebuilt and remade in the aftermath of all manner of crises and challenges. The pandemic accentuated the need for downtowns to continue to evolve into mixed-use neighborhoods that diversify their land uses while prioritizing livability.

More than a half-century ago, a rising young urbanist named Jane Jacobs wrote an influential essay on the sterile skyscraper canyons of the mid-20th century – titled simply “Downtown is for People” – arguing a similar message that the future of our city centers lie in their becoming more balanced neighborhoods.

Specifics
We are looking for 3 artists to participate in the event by creating engaging and interactive displays and/or activities for attendees to enjoy during the pre-event and post-event networking time that showcase the energy, vibe and unique culture of Kansas City.

Eligibility:
Professional visual artists, musicians, and social practice artists of at least 18 years of age residing within 50 miles of Kansas City are eligible. Artists must perform original work.

To be considered, you may submit a proposal for any of the 3 following categories:
Please review the details below. You may apply for multiple categories and events; however, you will have only one performance if you are selected. The categories are:

• Performing Arts: Music
  This is an open call for musicians (solo artists, duos, trios) to perform original music during the pre and post-program reception and networking
  Equipment Note: It is preferred that performance artists bring their own audio equipment. Access to electricity depends on the performance location. Artists should bring extension cords and other necessary equipment.
• Visual Art: Interactive Photo Display
  This is an open call for visual artists
  Proposals should include a unique design element to be used as a photo backdrop at the event. Production costs will be negotiated upon selection.
  Take up no more than an 8’ x 8’ space – setup should be clean and compact and appropriate for indoors
• Social Practice: Community or Public Engagement
  This is an open call for social practice artists
  Proposals should include interactive elements for attendees to engage
  Should showcase the artists’ work and the process used to create
  A small keepsake for attendees to take with them is encouraged
  Take up no more than an 8’ x 8’ space – setup should be clean and compact and appropriate for indoors

What’s Provided by Downtown Council

• The Downtown Council is offering a $750 stipend per artist setup
• Up to (2) 6’ or 8’ tables with black linens, and (4) chairs, if needed
• Acknowledgement in social media and event promotions

Submissions:
Follow this link to the online application. In addition to a brief project proposal, you will be asked to provide a written artist statement and musicians should provide video or audio samples of past original work, no more than five minutes total.

Successful applicants will be notified in mid-October.

For any questions, contact Ashley Broockerd at abroockerd@evenergy.com

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 5 PM

Oppenstein Park will come to life with music by: Gracie Caggiano, Grupo Folklórico Alma Tapatia, and musicbyskippy.