Art in the Loop 2026

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF), in partnership with the KC Streetcar Authority, is excited to announce the 13th Annual Art in the Loop Project. Through a competitive open-call process, each year AILF selects local artists to exhibit, install, and perform original works along and near the KC Streetcar route and at key Downtown and Midtown locations from May through October.

In 2026, Art in the Loop coincides with World Cup summer in Kansas City, offering participating artists a rare opportunity to have their work seen and experienced by hundreds of thousands of residents and global visitors traveling through the heart of Kansas City. With the streetcar serving as a central spine connecting the River Market, Downtown, Midtown, and the Country Club Plaza, selected artists will be showcased in one of the city’s most visible and heavily traveled public spaces.

2026 Art in the Loop Theme: Home

This year’s theme, Home, invites artists to explore the places, people, and experiences that ground us and shape who we are. A familiar sight, smell, sound, taste, or touch—these are the elements that feel like home. Home can represent refuge, comfort, and belonging, or more complex emotions tied to memory, growth, and transformation. Whether you are a Kansas City native, or someone planting new roots, artists are encouraged to share their unique perspectives on what home means to them.

All are invited to be immersed in local KC talent through the 2026 Art in the Loop Project: Home, launching on Wednesday, June 3 with a free kick-off event featuring live music and artist performances. Join the KC Streetcar and the Art in the Loop Foundation for the Kick-Off Event at the Kansas City Public Library – Central Library for an exciting evening featuring some of this year’s selected artists, including musical acts by Ryan Marquez Trio,  Hood Dude Food Review, and a storytelling act by Beatrice Henry. The Kick-Off Event is the first of a summer-long series of performance activities around the streetcar route and in Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park. 

Visual Artists & Installations

(Most are located along the streetcar route)

• Anjola Ayodele — Carried By Sound, River Market Northbound Stop (3rd & Grand)
• Cheryl Gail — Small Works Art Gallery, Oppenstein Park
• Christine Cookson — Wandering Dreams, Oppenstein Park
• Deanna Dikeman — Patio Barbecues, Armour Southbound Stop (Armour & Main Street)
• DINKC — We Are Home, North Loop Southbound Stop (7th & Main Street)
• Kai Johnson — Home is Imagination, Riverfront Stop (Berkley Riverfront)
• Kevin VanEmburgh — Seasons of Home, Southmoreland Northbound Stop (43rd & Main Street)
• Michelle Briggs — Blossoming Origins, Library Northbound Stop (9th & Main Street)
• Ramona Cliff — Evening Flights, KC Streetcar #805
• Taylar Sanders — A Modern Belonging, Oppenstein Park
• Vania Soto — Abuelita’s Kitchen is Home, Delaware Stop (4th & Delaware Street)

This marks the 11th season the KC Streetcar has collaborated with Art in the Loop to bring art into public spaces, transforming streetcar stops, a streetcar vehicle, and key downtown destinations into a dynamic, accessible arts experience. This year’s theme, Home, explores the people, places, and experiences that shape a sense of belonging.

From June through November, selected visual artworks will be featured at KC Streetcar shelters, onboard a streetcar, and in Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park at 12th & Walnut—connecting riders and visitors to local creativity throughout the route. In addition, a series of free performances, including music, dance, and spoken word, will take place at streetcar-accessible locations all summer long.

With Kansas City preparing to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, this year’s exhibition offers a unique opportunity to showcase local artists and creatives to an international audience, further elevating Kansas City’s cultural identity on a global stage.

Performing Artists & Schedule

Kick-Off Event
June 3, 5:30 p.m. – Kansas City Public Library – Central Library

• Ryan Marquez Trio
• Hood Dude Food Review
• Beatrice C. Henry

Oppenstein Park Performances
June 18, 5:30 p.m. – Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park

• City in Motion Dance Theater
• The Royal Chief
• MissConception
• Live Painting by Samantha Ridgeway

Art Walk
July 21, 6:00 p.m. – Location TBD
(All visual artists participating)

816 Day Performances
August 16, 6:00 p.m. – City Market

• The DynamitExperience
• BodaciousThang
• FK MENACE

Art Ride
September 23, 6:00 p.m. – KC Streetcar #805

• Beth Watts Nelson
• HeadHunterz
• A Girl &

Closing Reception
October 29, 5:30 p.m. – Kansas City Public Library – Central Library

• Ernest Melton and Friends
• Socorro Reyes Ramirez

Each of the Art in the Loop’s free summer performances will offer a mix of music, dance, or spoken word acts created to engage KC audiences with local talent.  More than 135 local artists applied for the 2026 program, with 26 selected to participate. All art and performances are free and open to the public. To RSVP to events, visit http://www.artintheloop.com. 

KC Streetcar continues to serve as a platform for community connection, creativity, and accessibility—making public art part of the everyday rider experience while elevating Kansas City’s local talent on a global stage.