Calling all KC Visual & Performance Artists for the 2025 Art in the Loop Project
By Ann Holliday, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Downtown Council of Kansas City
The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is seeking visual and performing artists to bring their creativity to Downtown Kansas City for the 12th 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 to October.
2025 Theme: Wonder
This year’s theme, Wonder, invites artists to explore the depth of curiosity within our community and the ways in which we relate to one another. We encourage artists to reflect on the complexities of connection, discovery, and the shared experiences that shape us.
Wonder is also sparked by the unexpected and the unfamiliar—the moments that catch us off guard and make us pause. What exciting, surprising, or even strange things in the world inspire you to embrace the power of community? We encourage artists to dive into this sense of wonder and let it guide their creative expression.
Applications are due February 17, 2025. Visit artintheloop.com for more information and to apply online.
Visual Artists
AILF asks local artists to exhibit their artwork 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. Stipends will range from $1,000 – $2,500. This year visual artists may submit proposals in 4 categories:
- KC Streetcar Wrap
- KC Streetcar Shelter (Within the Frame)
- KC Streetcar Shelter OR Oppenstein Park Mural
- ArtWall
Questions may be directed to Visual Art Director, Khyneesha Edwards, neesha_edwards@yahoo.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. Artists will receive a $750 stipend for their work and selected artists will perform at one of five Art in the Loop events including:
- Kick-off Ceremony (TBD)
- Onboard KC Streetcar, July 16, 2025
- 816 Day at City Market, August 16, 2025
- Evening concert at Oppenstein Park, September 11, 2025
- Closing Reception (TBD)
Questions may be directed to Performance Art Director, Jade Osborne, jadeosborneart@gmail.com.
Information Sessions
Learn more about the calls at an information session. Click here for dates and registration information.
Community, Sponsors & Supporters
Artists have played a key role in revitalizing 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 and 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, ArtsKC, the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank Trustee, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman 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.
