Art in the Loop 2026 Call for KC Visual, Performing, Dance, Spoken-Word, Musical, Film and Animation Artists

Art in the Loop Announces 2026 Calls for Artists

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is in search of both visual and performing artists to bring their creativity to Downtown Kansas City for the 13th Annual Art in the Loop Project. Through a competitive, open-call process, AILF selects local artists to exhibit their artwork, create site-specific artwork, or perform along and near the KC Streetcar route and at other sites in Downtown Kansas City from May – October. 

2026 Theme: Home

Home invites artists to explore the places, people, and dreams that bring us back to ourselves. A familiar sight, smell, sound, taste, or touch–these are the things that feel like home. Home represents the essence of our innermost memories. The aspects of life that resonate with our inner child. For many, home is a reflection of refuge, comfort, and belonging. For some, home represents more complex emotions—the catalyst for the ways in which we experience life and evolve over time.

Consider the following prompts: What does home mean to you? How does your idea of home shape your identity? How have your memories and thoughts about home changed over time? Is home a fixed place in time, or something you bring with you wherever you go? What have you learned about others and their homes throughout your life? 

Whether you’re a Kansas City native, just passing through, or planting roots, we invite you to share your vision and thoughts about home.

Application Process

The application requires a written description of your proposal, a concept, and a short narrative about your goals for public engagement. Stipends range from $750-$2,500, depending on the category. The deadline for submissions is Monday, February 16, 11:59 p.m. CST. Applications must be made online via the application portals.

Visual Artists

AILF asks local artists to exhibit their artwork along and near the KC Streetcar route in Midtown and 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. Click here for the call for visual artists.

Visual artists may submit proposals in 6 categories:

1. KC Streetcar Wrap 
2. KC Streetcar Shelter (Within the Frame)
3. KC Streetcar Shelter Mural
4. Oppenstein Park Mural
5. Oppenstein Park Art Installation
6. Curated Film/Animation Screening
   

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. Questions may be directed to Visual Arts Director, Khyneesha Edwards, neeshaedwards26@gmail.com.

Performance Artists

This performance series will feature multi-sensory performances such as spoken word, dance, music, improv, social practice, etc., while also highlighting the visual artworks installed along the KC Streetcar route. Click here for the call for performance artists. 

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

• Kick-off Ceremony at the Central Library
• Evening Concert at Oppenstein Park
• 816 Day at City Market 
• Onboard KC Streetcar
• Closing Reception at the Kansas City Public Library Central Library

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. Questions may be directed to Performance Art Director, Jade Osborne, jadeosborneart@gmail.com.

Information Sessions

Learn more about the calls at an upcoming information session. Dates and locations will be announced soon!

Community, Sponsors & Supporters

Artists have played a key role in the revitalization of Downtown Kansas City over the past few decades, and this will continue. In the words of renowned local artist Michael Toombs,  “Through projects like Art in the Loop, Downtown KC is becoming part of a highly visible cultural landscape that reminds us of who we are, as well as inspires us in who we are yet to become.” We have unique opportunities for your organization to connect with the community and support local artists through sponsorships and charitable donations. 

We appreciate the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, Copaken Brooks, and the Kansas City Art Institute. This project is funded in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, as well as by awards from the Missouri Arts Council, the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, and the Francis Family Foundation. 

For more information, contact Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Downtown Council and Executive Director of the Art in the Loop Foundation. 

For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com, www.facebook.com/artintheloop, or www.instagram.com/artintheloop.