KC Streetcar Main Street Extension Public Art Call

This project will extend the KC Streetcar 3.6 miles south on Main Street, adding 16 stops and connecting the Downtown starter line to Midtown, Westport, the Art Museum District, the Plaza and UMKC. The groundbreaking was held on April 6, 2022, and the opening of the extended system is expected in 2025. This is a partnership between the City of Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the Kansas City Streetcar Authority.

The project team is seeking artists to place art at two primary locations: approximately 51st Street and Main near the UMKC campus, and approximately Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and Main near the Country Club Plaza shopping and dining area. Semifinalist artists may propose placing art in other locations. Both 2-D and 3-D artwork, or combinations, are acceptable. Two-dimensional art may be displayed at, near, or on the KC Streetcar station stop platforms and shelters. Three-dimensional art will be placed in the vicinity of the stop area and must be stable in an earthquake and not attach to any structure other than its footing or foundation. All artistic elements may be required to comply with applicable building codes including ADA, the Uniform Building Code (UBC), and NFPA standards.

Artists selected as semifinalists will be asked to present a design proposal to the selection panel and will be paid a $2,000 design fee to develop their proposal. The full budget for the finalist artist(s) is $185,000, all inclusive, covering costs such as general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, final designs, engineer stamp, permits, fabrication, delivery, installation, electrical and lighting, and ground remediation. Submission requirements include a portfolio of 5-10 images (minimum 5 total samples, maximum 20 samples including up to 5 audio and 5 video files), letter of interest, resume, and list of references. Eligibility is limited to local artists in Missouri. For more information, visit BuildKCStreetcar.com or the Ride KC Streetcar website.