2024 Call for Performance Artists

2024 ART IN THE LOOP PROJECT:  CONVIVENCIA

CALL FOR PERFORMING ARTISTS

Deadline for submissions: Monday, March 18, 2024, 11:59 p.m.

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is in search of performing artists to bring their creativity to Downtown Kansas City for the 2024 Art in the Loop Performance Series. 

Through a competitive, open-call process, AILF selects local artists to perform along and near the KC Streetcar route as well as at other sites in Downtown Kansas City. This performance series will feature multi-sensory performances such as spoken word, dance, music, improv, etc., while also highlighting the visual artworks installed along the KC Streetcar route. 

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

• June 12th: Kick-off Ceremony at the Central Library
• July 17th: Art Car Reveal + Art Ride onboard KC Streetcar
• August 16th: 816 Day at City Market
• September 18th: Early fall evening concert at Oppenstein Park
• November 6th: Closing Reception at the Central Library

2024 Theme/Prompt: Convivencia

This year’s theme is convivencia (Spanish: to coexist with others through practicing the way we share space and resources despite our differences. To be “at ease” with difference.)

Convivencia is a space between harmony and conflict. It expresses 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 and creatives are very familiar with navigating space, energy, and time amongst one another and within their communities. 

Throughout Downtown Kansas City and on board the Kansas City Streetcar, we observe moments of Convivencia through the interactions of visitors, residents, workers, and commuters. 

This year we invite artists to share how they practice or observe convivencia. We challenge artists to explore moments that demonstrate the act of joint achievement and negotiation, whether that be in an abstract or a representational sense. 

We ask artists to consider the following prompts: Can we be at ease with difference? How do we share space with our community while balancing both harmony and conflict? How does this tension inform our work and practice? 

We are looking for artists to respond to this word, feeling and experience and to explore their vision of convivencia. 

Eligibility:

Professional artists, musicians, spoken-word artists, dance artists, social practice and other performers, at least 18 years of age residing within 50 miles of Kansas City are eligible. Artists must perform original work. Past performers are encouraged to re-apply. 

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.

To be considered, you may submit a proposal for either of the four 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:

1. Performing Arts: Music
2. Performing Arts: Dance, Theater, Improv etc.
3. Social Practice: Community or Public Engagement
4. Literary Arts: Spoken Word, Poetry, etc.

How to apply:

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 video or audio samples of past original work, no more than five minutes total. 

Requirements for selected artists:

• Descriptive material and photo for the website – Artists will provide a brief written description of their work and provide a photo for the project website. 
• PR and marketing materials – Artists will provide written content to assist in developing press releases, programs, and other materials. 
• Attendance at the Kick-Off Event & Reception – Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the Kansas City Public Library Central Library. 
• Attendance at the Closing Reception – Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Kansas City Public Library Central Library. 

Art in the Loop will provide: 

• Web presence for each project/performance on artintheloop.com 
• Social media, PR, and other marketing and promotional efforts 
• Logistical support and coordination with property owners and partners 
• Documentation of projects (still photography and video as available) 
• Printed summary catalog of entire project

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. For performances on board the KC Streetcar, artists must be able to perform acoustically or bring a battery-powered amplification system. 

2023 ART IN THE LOOP PROJECT PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

A. Performing Arts: Music

Open-call for musicians (solo artists, duos, bands, groups) to perform original music as part of Art in the Loop: Summer Performance Series. Each performance will last 30 minutes to one hour. A $750 artist’s fee will be provided. 

B. Performing Arts: Dance, Theatre, etc.

Open call for dance, theater, and/or other performers (solo artists and/or groups) to perform original performances as part of Art in the Loop: Summer Performance Series. Each performance should last 30 minutes to one hour. A $750 artist’s fee will be provided.  

C. Social Practice: Community or Public Engagement

Open-call for social practice artists (work that focuses on community engagement through performance or human interaction) to engage in Art in the Loop: Summer Performance Series. Each performance or community engagement should last 30 minutes to one hour. A $750 artist’s fee will be provided.  

D. Literary Arts: Spoken Word, Poetry, etc.

Open-call for Spoken Word and/or Poetry Performers (solo artists and/or groups) to perform original written works as part of Art in the Loop: Summer Performance Series. Each performance should last 30 minutes to one hour. An artist’s fee of $250 will be provided. 

Contact Performing Art Director, Jade Osborne, jadeosborneart@gmail.com or Program Director, Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org with any questions.

Deadline for application is March 18, 2024 Click here to apply

Learn more at artintheloop.com