KCI Airport Retail Node A Fountain Area Public Art Commission

The City of Kansas City, Missouri One Percent for Art program seeks to commission a professional visual artist or artist team to create public art for the New Single Terminal at Kansas City International Airport. The installation will be placed in Retail Node A, the central gathering space of the terminal where all passengers pass through after clearing security and before descending to baggage claim. This is the first and last space passengers experience in the terminal.

The installation is inspired by Kansas City's history as "The City of Fountains." While no water may be used due to the location above the terminal's baggage system, the work should embody the qualities of a fountain and may be hung and/or floor mounted. The installation is centered on a clerestory "popup" where the roof lifts to allow daylight through clerestory windows, with seating surrounding the central space. KCI intends to host musical performances in the adjacent space.

The budget for this commission is up to $1,200,000 (all inclusive), covering stipends, design fees, travel, fabrication, supplies, material costs, delivery, engineering approval, lighting materials, and installation. Professional visual artists or artist teams at least 18 years of age are eligible. Demonstrated experience working with diverse community stakeholders is desired. Full-time, permanent City of Kansas City, Missouri employees, project consultants, project contractors, and their employees and sub-contractors are ineligible. International artists are eligible; the Executive Committee recommends that artists located outside the United States choose a U.S.-based fabricator.

Submission materials due by December 6, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. MST include: a letter of interest (up to 1 page), resume/CV, up to 10 images and/or up to 6 each audio and video files, and an image list with details such as title, year made, materials, dimensions and budget. The Selection Panel will evaluate submissions based on excellence, relevant prior experience, appropriateness to site and project, durability, and diversity, equity and inclusion.