Calling All Artists

What does ‘Resilience‘ mean to you? How does Kansas City exemplify resilience in its cultures, communities and people?

Art in the Loop Project: Resilient – Call for Visual Artists Open thru May 12


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, 11:59p.m. 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.