The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking visual artists to engage the community through an exhibition of public artwork along the KC Streetcar route in Downtown Kansas City from May 31 through October 31, 2021. This is our 8th annual summer public art program. Through a competitive, open-call process, AILF selects local artists to create temporary, site-specific work 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 5-month outdoor program.

The 2021 theme/prompt is “Resilient” – What does an inclusive, equitable, accessible, and vibrant Downtown Kansas City look like? What is needed in order for our city to remain resilient – particularly within this present moment? For the 2021 Art in the Loop Project, we are looking for artists to respond to these questions and to explore their vision of resiliency. Proposed projects should reflect these questions and ideas in ways that engage and stimulate Kansas City audiences through public art installations.

This year artists may submit proposals in four categories, KC Streetcar Wrap, ARTwall (13th & Grand), KC Streetcar Stop and KC Streetcar Stop/816 Day. Read the full call for artists at https://www.artintheloop.com/opportunities/

The application requires a written description of your proposal and a short narrative about your goals for public engagement. Stipends will range from $500-$2,500 depending on the category. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, May 12, 11:59 CST. Applications must be made online via the application portal.

For information about eligibility, 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.

Performance artists and musicians, stay tuned for our second call for artists in which we will have opportunities for performances along the KC Streetcar route and more. The performance based call will be released in May.

Questions may be directed to Art in the Loop Art Director, Kyle Mullins, kylewmullins@gmail.com, or Program Director, Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org.

Art in the Loop Mission:
The mission of the Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is to contribute to the visual identity, enrichment, and revitalization of Downtown Kansas City, create new opportunities for artistic development, and expand public interaction with new art of excellence. AILF values an equitable, diverse, and inclusive art community.

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking an Art Director for our 2021 Art in the Loop Project and 2021 ARTwall. The Art Director will have the opportunity to support our efforts to provide unique temporary public art opportunities to emerging and established artists. Local artists, curators, arts organizers and individuals with art director experience are encouraged to apply. AILF values an equitable, diverse, and inclusive art community. 

Job Description:

The 2021 Art Director coordinates the application, installation, and exhibition process for the AILF summer art series and the ARTwall. The art director works with Vice-President for the Downtown Council and AILF director, Ann Holliday, and in collaboration with AILF partner organizations, including KC Streetcar. Visit artintheloop.com to view past projects and ARTwalls.

This position is a year-long contract of $4,000 paid in three installments over 2021. While the position is not hourly, it is estimated between 150-200 hours over the course of the year. A majority of the time commitment is focused from March to July, from releasing the call for artists to the installation of artwork.

Position responsibilities:

  • Assist with promoting the calls for artists to diverse communities and participate in one or more public outreach sessions
  • Assist with finalizing calls for artists and artist applications
  • Promote and represent AILF and the project at community arts events
  • Create selection criteria (based on KCMO Municipal Art Commission  guidelines)
  • Review and rank applications
  • Assist with establishing the Artist Selection Panel and the artist selection process
  • Coordinate a public opening for the project
  • Develop curatorial oversight to the overall project
  • Provide any information about the project for news/press that may arise during the project timeline
  • Generate writing for the project, in the form of curatorial statements, essays, blog posts for AILF or other arts organizations as needed
  • Assist with program assessment
  • Coordinate artist information for the closing reception
  • Assist documentation and social media strategies
  • Provide assistance to artists
  • Formalizing project content
  • Following up on artist commitments to material and time

Art in the Loop Annual Timeline

  • March- Release the Calls for Artists
  • April – Art Selection Panel meeting, Call for Musicians/Performers released
  • April/May – Sign Contracts with the Artists; Music/Performance Selection Panel meeting, selection and contract signing
  • May/June – Artwork installed and Kick-Off event
  • June/July/August – Performance Series (Tentative)
  • November – Artwork removed
  • November – Closing Reception

If you are interested in apply, please submit the following in a single PDF attachment to ann@downtownkc.org on, or before Monday, March 8, 2021.

  1. Resume
  2. Statement of Interest
  3. 1 – 2 Writing Sample(s): could be the form of a prior press release, article, or essay.

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) aims to fill this position by March 15, 2021, to begin work on the 2021 Calls for Artists.


 

Macrocosmos Caterpillar: Monarch Streetcar by Christina Berolos and Amanda Gehin, 2019 Art in the Loop Project.

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking artists to engage the community through an exhibition of public artwork and performances along the KC Streetcar route in Downtown Kansas City from May 1 through September 30, 2020.  Artists using all media are encouraged to apply.

This year artists may submit proposals for one of three categories, KC Streetcar Stop Call, Open Call Along the KC Streetcar Route, or Wrap a Streetcar + Big Idea Call. Artists are encouraged to read the new call for artists which can be found at https://www.artintheloop.com/opportunities/2020-call-for-artists/

The application requires a written description of your proposal, budget and a short narrative about your goals for public engagement.  The deadline for submissions is Monday, February 17, 11:59 CST.  Applications must be made online via the application portal.

For information about eligibility, selection process, evaluation criteria and important dates, review the application guidelines.

Applicants are encouraged to learn about artist projects from previous years.  Annual catalogs from past years programs can be found here.

Questions may be directed to Art in the Loop Art Director, Bo Hubbard, bhubbard@kcai.edu, or Program Director, Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org.

 

 

Art in the Loop Artists

The Art in the Loop Foundation would like to thank our 2019 artists, musicians, partners, funders, volunteers, organizers and audience for participating the “Make/Believe” project this past summer.

The mission of the Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is to contribute to the visual identity, enrichment, and revitalization of Downtown Kansas City, create new opportunities for artistic development, and expand public interaction with new art of excellence. This past summer, AILF continued its partnership with KC Streetcar, KCMO Parks Department, Downtown Council and KC Public Library to enrich Downtown KC through the Make/Believe Project. Local artists created works that invited the public to interact with the exuberance, vitality, whimsy, and magic that art can bring. Each artwork presented viewers with the opportunity to imagine, to make-believe, for a moment during each day.

Art in the Loop has fostered growth within the downtown community, enriching commuter routes and parks with public artwork. This work has a potent impact on the space it occupies and part of Art in the Loop’s mission is to encourage the community to engage with these spaces as much as possible. Our community engagement programs offer insight into artist practice and the story behind the work. 

We appreciate the on-going support of our sponsors and contributors as well funding from the Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC and the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund of the City of Kansas City, Missouri.

Click here to download a copy of our 2019 Art in the Loop Catalog.

Contact Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org, if you would like more information about Art in the Loop.  The 2020 call for artists will be released in January!

Ayllu performed at the Closing Reception.

Ayllu performed at the 2019 Closing Reception.

The Art in the Loop Foundation is looking for talented, local musicians to perform on the KC Streetcar or at Streetcar stops during our 2019 Art in the Loop Streetcar Summer Sounds Music Series. The theme for our 2019 project is “Make/Believe”.

Artwork will be installed at KC Streetcar stops and in Washington Square Park. We want to bring music and artwork together and are seeking local musicians who want to experience performing in a unique setting, engaging with their audience in a distinctive way.

How to apply:

  • Complete the form at the following link, including links to an online music sample or video. Applications without music samples will not be considered.
  • Within the artist statement, please indicate why you’d like to perform as part of the Streetcar Sounds Music Series and what instruments you would use during your performance.
  • Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/DowntownKC/2019-Streetcar-Music
  • Applications are due Friday, April 26, 2019.

The details:

  • $300 stipend for one 2-hour performance with breaks. As these are paid musical performances, gratuity/tips should not be solicited.
  • This is a competitive selection process. Qualified applicants will be notified of their selection status prior to June 1, 2019.
  • Musicians must be local. Musicians can be individual or groups. Group size onboard a streetcar is limited to 4.
  • If performing at streetcar stop, musicians must be able to provide their own amplification system. A portable power source is a plus.
  • Musicians must be able to perform acoustic-style while on board the streetcar.
  • Planned performance times and dates are listed below but subject to change.
  • Check out last year’s performers at https://www.artintheloop.com
Locations Performance Dates Time
KC Streetcar Stops and/or on-board Streetcar Vehicle Thursdays: June 6 – August 1*
No performance the week of July 1
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Art in the Loop – Kick-off Event Wednesday, June 5 6:00 p.m.
816 Day Celebration August 16 TBD
Art in the Loop – Closing Reception Wednesday, November 6 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Applications Due:

Apply here, https://form.jotform.com/DowntownKC/2019-Streetcar-Music

For more information, contact ann@downtownkc.org or visit www.artintheloop.com

Kansas City area artists – apply now to create temporary art for KC Streetcar, Washington Square Park and KC Public Library Central Library.  APPLICATIONS ARE DUE, SUNDAY MARCH 3! Stipends will range from $500 to $5,000.  Click the link below to apply!

Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking artists to engage the Downtown Kansas City community through a series of site-specific art installations and performances in the center of Downtown Kansas City from May 1 through September 30, 2019.

The goal of the Art in the Loop Project is to infuse the center of Downtown Kansas City with innovative and engaging temporary art that will refresh, intrigue and surprise our audience of Downtown employees, residents and visitors. Equally important, the project will also create an opportunity for local emerging and established artists to extend their practice into the Downtown environment with curatorial, professional and logistical support.

The theme for our 2019 project is “Make/Believe.”  How can creative making transform reality for both artist and audience?  We ask makers to explore the ability for art to be transportive and for fantasy to be collective. 

Sites for proposed artwork include KC Streetcar, Washington Square Park and Kansas City Public Library Central Library.  Stipends will range from $500 to $5,000.

Applications are due March 3, 11:59 p.m.

Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking artists to engage the Downtown Kansas City community through a series of site-specific art installations and performances in the center of Downtown Kansas City from May 1 through September 30, 2019.

The goal of the Art in the Loop Project is to infuse the center of Downtown Kansas City with innovative and engaging temporary art that will refresh, intrigue and surprise our audience of Downtown employees, residents and visitors. Equally important, the project will also create an opportunity for local emerging and established artists to extend their practice into the Downtown environment with curatorial, professional and logistical support.

The theme for our 2019 project is “Make/Believe.”  How can creative making transform reality for both artist and audience?  We ask makers to explore the ability for art to be transportive and for fantasy to be collective. 

Sites for proposed artwork include KC Streetcar, Washington Square Park and Kansas City Public Library Central Library.  Stipends will range from $500 to $5,000.

Applications are due March 3, 11:59 p.m.

Party Car by Amy Kligman, 2018 Art in the Loop Project

SlinkyBall by Denise DiPiazzo, 2019 Art in the Loop Project

Running Idle by Daniel Chase, 2019 Art in the Loop Project

Night People by Stephen Proski, 2019 Art in the Loop Project

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking a talented individual to assist with the implementation of temporary public art installation and performance projects in collaboration with their partner organizations the Downtown Council (DTC), the Downtown Community Improvement District (DCID), KC Streetcar, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri. This is the perfect opportunity to gain experience in art administration and project management.

A stipend will be provided at the completion of the internship.  We will work to create a valuable experience for the intern that includes mentorship and the development of skills and knowledge that will benefit you in the future.

Arts Intern – Responsibilities

  • Communications & Social Media
    • Work with staff to create content for websites, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
    • Assist with photo-documentation of art installations and performances
  • Assist with Call for Artists and Selection Process for Art in the Loop’s annual curated outdoor exhibit of temporary art and performances in Downtown Kansas City by organizing applications, preparing for Artist Selection Panel meeting, and preparing artists contracts and related materials
  • Assist with opening and closing receptions as well as other events such as art walks as needed

The ideal candidate should possess:

2018 Art in the Loop Staff & Interns

  • Strong written/verbal skills;
  • Be detail-oriented and highly organized
  • Ability to take on multiple projects and see them through to completion
  • Experience with Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and event support is a must;
  • Experience with WordPress is a PLUS;
  • Experience photo-documenting art performances and installations
  • Familiarity with Adobe Products
  • Photo editing skills

The intern will need will need access to:

  • A computer
  • photo editing software

When:

The internship can be divided into 3 sessions:

Session 1: Feb – April

Session 2: May – Aug

Session 3: Sep – Dec

10+ hours per week (hours may vary.)

This intern must be able to work collaboratively and efficiently with others and is expected to support events. This intern should have strong communication skills. The intern meets weekly to discuss assignments and progress with staff.

Stipend: A stipend will be paid on completion of each intern session

Apply:  Please send a letter of interest, resume and brief writing sample to Ann Holliday, Director of Arts Initiatives, ann@downtownkc.org.  No calls please.

Learn more:
www.artintheloop.com

The City of Lawrence, KS is seeking proposals and/or artworks for the 31st Annual Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition.

The Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition or ODSE was founded by local sculptor and executive director of the Kansas Sculptors Association Jim Patti in 1988 to provide an opportunity for area sculptors to showcase their work in various locations in downtown Lawrence. More than 170 local, regional and national sculptors have participated in the ODSE since 1988 and thousands of citizens and visitors have enjoyed their work.

The ODSE is sponsored by the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission. A range of temporary artworks are displayed in downtown Lawrence along Massachusetts Street, in the Cultural District and in select sites city-wide.

Eligibility: Open to all artists 18 and older
Honorarium: Selected Artists will receive a $1,750 honorarium for each selected or commissioned work
Entry Deadline: 4:00 PM, Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Works that explore an expanded notion of art in the public realm are encouraged!

More information and the online application form can be found here: https://lawrenceks.org/odse/

Contact information:
Porter Arneill, Director of Communications and Creative Resources
parneill@lawrenceks.org
(785) 832-3402

2018 Art in the Loop Project:  KC Plays

Call for Musicians

The Art in the Loop Foundation is looking for talented, local musicians to perform at 3 sites this during our 2018 Art in the Loop Project:  KC Plays!  The theme for our 2018 project is “KC PLAYS!” How can play elicit happiness, friendship, excitement, humor and problem-solving through the lens of temporary art installations and performances? Play is evident at the base of every truly creative art expression.

Artwork will be installed at KC Streetcar stops, in West Terrace (Case) Park and at the Kansas City Public Library Central Library.  We want to bring music and artwork together and are seeking local musicians who want to experience performing in a unique setting, engaging with their audience in a distinctive way.

How to apply:

  • Complete the form at the following link, including links to an online music sample or video. Applications without music samples will not be considered.
  • Within the artist statement, please indicate why you’d like to perform as part of the KC Plays! Art in the Loop Project and what instruments you would use during your performance.
  • Apply here:  https://form.jotform.com/DowntownKC/2018-music-app
  • Applications are due Monday, March 26, 2018,  by 5:00 p.m. CST.

The details:

  • $300 stipend for one 2-hour performance with breaks. As these are paid musical performances, gratuity/tips should not be solicited.
  • This is a competitive selection process. Qualified applicants will be notified of their selection status prior to April 15.
  • Musicians must be local. Musicians can be individual or groups. Group size onboard a streetcar is limited to 4.
  • If performing in the park or at streetcar stop, musicians must be able to provide their own amplification system. A portable power source is a plus.
  • Musicians must be able to perform acoustic-style while on board the streetcar.
  • Planned performance times and dates are listed below but subject to change.
  • Check out last year’s performers at https://www.artintheloop.com
Locations Performance Dates Time
West Terrace (Case) Park, 8th & Jefferson. Specific performance location TBD.

*Possible early evening performances

May 16 – June 20

(Wednesdays)

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.*
KC Streetcar Stops and/or on-board Streetcar Vehicle July 11 – Aug 29

(Wednesdays)

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
KC Public Library – Perform in Kirk Hall or on the Rooftop Terrace as part of Art Starts at the Library Friday, June 1

Friday, July 6

Friday, August 3

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The following performance opportunities will be combined with receptions and events are listed below. The stipend, time and length of performance will vary and be finalized at a later date.
Art in the Loop – Opening Reception Tuesday, May 1 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Scavenger Hunt Event June/July Early evening
Art Walking Tour/Reception September Early evening
Art in the Loop – Closing Reception Friday, Nov 6 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Applications Due: Monday, March 26, 2018 by 5:00 p.m. CST.

Apply here:  https://form.jotform.com/DowntownKC/2018-music-app

For more information, contact ann@downtownkc.org or visit www.artintheloop.com

 

Wait Here by JT Daniels, 2017 Art in the Loop Project.

Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking artists to engage the Downtown Kansas City community through a series of art installations and performances in the center of Downtown Kansas City from May 1 through September 30, 2018.

The goal of the Art in the Loop Project is to infuse the center of Downtown Kansas City with innovative and engaging temporary art that will refresh, intrigue and surprise our audience of Downtown employees, residents and visitors. Equally important, the project will also create an opportunity for local emerging and established artists to extend their practice into the Downtown environment with curatorial, professional and logistical support.

Inscribed performance by Jeramy Zimmerman, 2017 Art in the Loop Project

The theme for our 2018 project is “KC PLAYS!” How can play elicit happiness, friendship, excitement, humor and problem-solving through the lens of temporary art installations and performances? Play is evident at the base of every truly creative art expression. Taking inspiration from the president of the American Association for the Child’s Right to Play and professor at Hofstra University, Dr. Rhonda Clements, says, “It is important to maintain a healthy sense of play throughout childhood and into adulthood. Our complex society requires clear thinkers, playful attitudes, humor and creativity for complex problem-solving.” We are looking for artists to infuse our city with Play!!

Cloud Canopy by Monica Dixon, 2017 Art in the Loop Project.

Sites for proposed artwork include KC Streetcar, West Terrace Park and Kansas City Public Library.  Stipends will range from $500 to $5,000.

 

 

Applications are due February 9, 11:59 p.m.

 

 

The applications for Rocket Grants opened January 15, 2018 for artists who live within an 80-mile radius of Kansas City. Rocket Grants receive support from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and are developed and implemented through a partnership between the Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City, MO and the Spencer Museum of Art, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. In its ninth year of serving the Kansas City arts community, the program for 2018-19 will provide grants in the amount of $60,000 total. Artists can learn more on how to apply by going to rocketgrants.org/apply.

The $60,000 total includes Full Project Awards, which are cash grants that award up to $6,000 each to area artists, performers, curators, and writers – as individuals or groups – to support the creation and presentation of NEW work/projects. The program also distributes R & D Awards. These awards are cash grants of $2,000 each, to support research and development for ambitious new projects that require a longer period of planning. These projects can request a further $4,000 when their research is complete, in order to extend or implement the work.

Learn more at http://rocketgrants.org/