Twins Ellie and Maggie Newlin designed “K. See. The Good” for the Crossroads northbound streetcar stop mural.

Art in the Loop and the Downtown Council of Kansas City (DTC) are pleased to announce a call for artists for the 2024 State of Downtown KC Event on Wednesday, November 20, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the new Origin Hotel, 1001 Riverfront Drive in Kansas City, Missouri.

There are three opportunities for performance, visual and social practice artists to participate in this exciting new event that will showcase the creative and innovative vibe of Downtown Kansas City.

About the State of Downtown Event
The State of Downtown is presented by the Downtown Council of Kansas City. As Downtown’s steward and champion, we are bringing the best parts of our district to the new Origin Hotel, located on the Berkley Riverfront. In March, the area celebrated the opening of CPKC Stadium, home to the KC Current and the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a professional women’s sports team. The stadium will anchor an $800 million dollar mixed-use district which will start construction later this year.

The event will highlight the Riverfront’s development as Downtown continues to transform from a single-use office district into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood animated by residents, visitors, and employees. In addition, we will share the latest data illustrating Downtown’s growth and recovery from the pandemic as well as showcase the vibe of our city through local artists, live music, and more.

Event Timeline

• 3:30 – 4:30 pm – Networking (featuring Downtown’s vibe) – Live music, interactive art booths, event photo station, food and drinks
• 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Program – Welcome / South Loop Announcement, State of Downtown Key Metrics & Data (Data telling the story of Downtown Kansas City), Guest Speakers, Concluding Remarks
• 5:30 – 6:30 pm – Resume Networking (featuring Downtown’s vibe) – Live music, interactive art booths, event photo station, food and drinks

Theme Summary
Great downtowns are no longer reducible to offices. Throughout history, they have been the most adaptive and resilient districts in our cities. Continual works in progress, they have been rebuilt and remade in the aftermath of all manner of crises and challenges. The pandemic accentuated the need for downtowns to continue to evolve into mixed-use neighborhoods that diversify their land uses while prioritizing livability.

More than a half-century ago, a rising young urbanist named Jane Jacobs wrote an influential essay on the sterile skyscraper canyons of the mid-20th century – titled simply “Downtown is for People” – arguing a similar message that the future of our city centers lie in their becoming more balanced neighborhoods.

Specifics
We are looking for 3 artists to participate in the event by creating engaging and interactive displays and/or activities for attendees to enjoy during the pre-event and post-event networking time that showcase the energy, vibe and unique culture of Kansas City.

Eligibility:
Professional visual artists, musicians, and social practice artists of at least 18 years of age residing within 50 miles of Kansas City are eligible. Artists must perform original work.

To be considered, you may submit a proposal for any of the 3 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:

• Performing Arts: Music
  This is an open call for musicians (solo artists, duos, trios) to perform original music during the pre and post-program reception and networking
  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.
• Visual Art: Interactive Photo Display
  This is an open call for visual artists
  Proposals should include a unique design element to be used as a photo backdrop at the event. Production costs will be negotiated upon selection.
  Take up no more than an 8’ x 8’ space – setup should be clean and compact and appropriate for indoors
• Social Practice: Community or Public Engagement
  This is an open call for social practice artists
  Proposals should include interactive elements for attendees to engage
  Should showcase the artists’ work and the process used to create
  A small keepsake for attendees to take with them is encouraged
  Take up no more than an 8’ x 8’ space – setup should be clean and compact and appropriate for indoors

What’s Provided by Downtown Council

• The Downtown Council is offering a $750 stipend per artist setup
• Up to (2) 6’ or 8’ tables with black linens, and (4) chairs, if needed
• Acknowledgement in social media and event promotions

Submissions:
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 musicians should provide video or audio samples of past original work, no more than five minutes total.

Successful applicants will be notified in mid-October.

For any questions, contact Ashley Broockerd at abroockerd@evenergy.com

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 5 PM

Oppenstein Park will come to life with music by: Gracie Caggiano, Grupo Folklórico Alma Tapatia, and musicbyskippy.

Oppenstein Park is full of fun events this September! Watch Gracie Caggiano, Grupo Folklorio Alma Tapatia, and musicbyskippy perform.

Ben Fine was our Art in the Loop intern this year. He is a student at Savannah College of Art and Design who is majoring in Graphic Design.