2026 Art in the Loop Visual Arts Application

2026 Art in the Loop Call for Visual Artists

The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is in search of artists to bring their creativity to Downtown Kansas City for its 13th Annual summer public art program. Please visit www.artintheloop.com to review the complete artist guidelines.
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.
Part I: Artist Information
Artist Name

First NameLast Name
Preferred Name
Preferred Pronouns
Email Address
example@example.com
Phone Number

Area CodePhone Number
Is this application for a team or collective? If so, please include the names and email addresses of the other members.
Is this proposal in collaboration with another proposal? If so please list the artist's name and project title.
Mailing Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Please upload a pdf of your resume/CV. If working in a collective or team, please combine all files into a single pdf. (3 pages maximum).

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9. Please upload/include up to to 5 images of related past work. If working in video, please include a link below. Please label your images in the following format: Last Name_First Name_Artwork Title.

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10. Please provide a link(s) to any website, social media or past work that you would like for the selection panel to see.
Part II: Proposal
11. Indicate which call(s) you are responding to then upload the appropriate information

KC Streetcar WrapKC Streetcar Shelter (Within the Frame)KC Streetcar Shelter MuralOppenstein Park MuralOppenstein Park Art InstallationCurated Film/Animation Screening
Please complete the applicable sections below, based on which calls you are responding to. Next, complete Part III and Part IV of the application.
A. KC STREETCAR WRAP
Artists are invited to propose artwork that will wrap one KC Streetcar vehicle. If accepted, you will be asked to provide a print-ready file at the appropriate dimensions.

Click HERE for a downloadable PDF that includes a template, previous examples, and helpful tips to wrap the KC Streetcar. Please superimpose your idea on the streetcar digital file. This helps the selection committee see your artwork as you envision it on the streetcar.

One artist/artist team will be selected. The selected artist(s) will be paid a fee of $2,500. Art in the Loop will pay for printing, installing, and removing the artwork.
Provide a brief written description of the artwork you would create for a KC Streetcar Wrap. Include the title of the work, the original dimensions and the original media. (250 word maximum)

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Submit a JPG, PNG or PDF of the proposed artwork or concept.

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B. KC STREETCAR SHELTER (Within the Frame)
Artists are invited to propose a 2-dimensional work to be displayed on a KC Streetcar shelter. If accepted, you will be asked to provide a print-ready file at the appropriate dimensions.

Click HERE for a downloadable PDF that includes a template, previous examples, and helpful tips. The display area dimensions are 61.25” x 166.75” for the larger streetcar shelters and 58.63” x 83.44” for the smaller streetcar shelters. The area for artwork on KC Streetcar shelters is on the back panel glass. The printed graphic may take an organic shape, or fit within the standard dimensions. Artwork does not need to take up the entire back-panel glass. The artwork should not encroach on the blue frame. We suggest considering the ambient light at the shelters. Please note that the artwork will be viewed from both sides of the shelter and should be visually interesting from either view. Click HERE to view catalogs from past projects, featuring various examples of KC Streetcar shelter artwork.

Multiple artists/artist teams will be selected. Selected artists will be paid a fee of $1,000. Art in the Loop will pay for printing, installing, and removing the artwork. Art in the Loop will also manage the installation process with the printing and installation company.
Provide a brief written description of the artwork you would create for a KC Streetcar Shelter. Include the title of the work, the original dimensions, and the original media. (250 word maximum)

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Submit a JPG, PNG or PDF of the proposed artwork or concept.

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C. KC STREETCAR SHELTER MURAL
Artists are invited to propose a painted mural design for a KC Streetcar shelter. Artwork will be applied directly to the glass of the shelter. Artwork may also be installed in the area around a KC Streetcar shelter; however, provisions must be made for accessibility and safety as well as permission granted by the KC Streetcar Authority and/or property owner. Additionally, all artwork must be able to be removed from the streetcar shelter or adjacent area. Click HERE for a downloadable PDF that includes a template, previous examples, and helpful tips. Click HERE to view catalogs from past projects, featuring various examples of KC Streetcar shelter artwork.

One artist/artist team will be selected. The selected artist(s) will be paid a fee of $1,500 (includes artist’s time, materials, installation, and removal costs).
Provide a brief written description of the artwork you would create for a mural at a KC Streetcar shelter or Oppenstein Park. Include the title of the work, a description of the intended media and materials, preferred location, and method of execution. (250 word maximum).

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Submit a JPG, PNG or PDF of the proposed artwork or concept.

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D. OPPENSTEIN PARK MURAL
A mural space will be located in Oppenstein Park (12th & Walnut) on the side of a large shipping container. Artwork will be directly applied to the shipping container framing and will remain for the 2026 season. The primary medium should be paint, though additional 3D elements may be used. The display area dimensions are 20' x 8.6'.

For this category, proposals based on social practice and/or community engagement are encouraged. Social practice includes any artform that directly engages the community in collaboration and social interaction. Social practice works are often co-created with the public, with that collaborative aspect holding equal importance as the artwork itself. Check out an example of a previous community engagement project at a KC Streetcar shelter HERE.

One artist/artist team will be selected. The selected artist(s) will be paid a fee of $2,500 (includes artist’s time, materials, installation, and removal costs).

Click HERE to view and use the shipping container template as a design reference. The area within the red border is where the artwork will be applied.

As Oppenstein Park is a Jackson County park, we request that any submissions containing local landmark imagery are inclusive to all communities within Jackson County (Blue Springs, Buckner, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Independence, Kansas City, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lee’s Summit, Levasy, Lone Jack, Oak Grove, Raytown, River Bend, Sibley, Sugar Creek, and Unity Village).
Provide a brief written description of the artwork you would create for an ARTwall and shelter. Include the title of the work, the original dimensions, and the original media. (250 word maximum)

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Submit a JPG, PNG or PDF of the proposed artwork or concept.

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E. OPPENSTEIN PARK ART INSTALLATION
Art in the Loop partners with the Downtown Community Improvement District and Jackson County to activate Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park at 12th & Walnut each summer with a monthly performance series. This year, we invite artists to propose a temporary 2D or 3D installation applied to existing surfaces, furniture, or sidewalks in the park.

One artist/artist team will be selected. The selected artist(s) will be paid a fee of $3,000 (includes artist’s time, materials, installation, and removal costs).
Provide a brief written description of the artwork you would create for an Oppenstein Park 3D Art Installation. Include the title of the work, the original dimensions, and the original media. (250 word maximum)

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Submit a JPG, PNG or PDF of the proposed artwork or concept.

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F. CURATED FILM/ANIMATION SCREENING
Artists are invited to submit a short film or animation to be featured as part of the Art in the Loop: Summer Performance Series. Each film or animation submission should last no longer than 20 minutes. Three artists/artist teams will be selected. Selected artists will be paid a fee of $750 (includes artist’s time and equipment).
Provide a brief written description of your film or animation. Include the title of the work and the time length, and the original media. (250 word maximum)

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Include a link to view/download your film or animation.

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If the video has not yet been created, submit a storyboard concept in JPG, PNG or PDF format.

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Submissions must be original and not AI-generated. AI-assistance is permitted, but those portions of the artwork must be clearly identified and described. If any portion of your work is AI-assisted, please describe in the following field.*

My submission(s) are original and not AI-generated. No AI-assistance was used within my submissions.My submission(s) contain elements utilizing AI assistance.
If your submission(s) contain elements utilizing AI-assistance, describe here. If not, enter 'NA.'*
We may have an opportunity for a studio residency become available later in the year. Would you be interested in being considered for this opportunity should it become available?

YesNo
We may have an opportunity for a 2D window mural become available later in the year. Would you be interested in being considered for this opportunity should it become available?

YesNo
Part III: Engagement

Your artwork will exist in the public realm providing an opportunity for new audiences to connect with your artwork and with each other. Art in the Loop encourages artists to think about how the public might interact with their artwork.
How is your proposed artwork inspired by the theme? (250-word maximum).

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What is your goal for public engagement or an element of social practice with your artwork? (250-word maximum).

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Part IV: Demographic Information

Art in the Loop values an equitable, diverse, and inclusive art community. Please answer the following questions to help us measure our reach and impact.
What is your age?
Race and ethnicity - How do you publicly self-identify?
Gender identity - How do you publicly self-identify?
Sexual orientation - How do you publicly self-identify?
Disability - How do you publicly self-identify?
Veteran Status - How do you publicly self-identify?
English as a Second Language - How do you publicly self-identify?
How did you hear about Art in the Loop?
Thank you for applying for the 2025 Art in the Loop Project. Applications are due February 16, 2025 at 11:59 CST. Please contact Khyneesha Edwards, Visual Art Director, neesha_edwards@yahoo.com or Ann Holliday, Art in the Loop Director, ann@downtownkc.org, with any questions.
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2026 Art in the Loop Call for Visual Artists

Theme: Home

Part I: Artist Information

Part II: Proposal

Part III: Engagement

Part IV: Demographic Information