2023 Art in the Loop – Call for Visual Artists Open Through Mar. 17

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 November 31, 2023. This is our 10th 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 6-month outdoor program.

Our 2023 theme is “Celebrate.”

How do you celebrate? This year we are asking artists to show us how/what they celebrate in their lives. This could be the celebration of art, identity, culture, community, and more. How do you reflect celebration in your artwork and art practice, your community, and your city?

For the 2023 Art in the Loop Project, we are looking for artists to respond to these questions and to explore their vision of celebration. 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 5 categories:

• KC Streetcar Wrap + Shelter
• KC Streetcar Shelter (Within the Frame)
• KC Streetcar Shelter (Live Painting)
• KC Streetcar Shelter + Sculpture
• ARTwall Installation + Shelter

The application requires a written description of your proposal, a visual concept, and a short narrative about your goals for public engagement. Stipends will range from $1,000-$2,500 depending on the category. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 17, 11:59 CST. Applications must be made online via the application portal.

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.

Important Links:

• Call for Artists
• Application Guidelines and Requirements
• Examples from previous years (annual catalogs)
• Online Application

Learn more about the call at an information session:

• Thursday, February 23rd from 11 – 12 pm at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, in person and via zoom –  Click here to register
• Wednesday, March 1st from 6 – 7:30 pm, Information Session and Workshop at AI Hub 511 Delaware Street Suite 50 KCMO – Click here to register
• Saturday, March 11th from 10 – 11 am, Information Session Mix and Mingle at KCAC 3200 Gillham Road KCMO – Click here to register

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.

Questions may be directed to Art in the Loop Visual Art Director, Marissa Starke, marissastarke@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.