Theatre in the Park Temporary Art Installation 2025

Johnson County Park & Recreation District (JCPRD) is commissioning a site-specific, temporary art installation at the entrance of Theatre in the Park, located within Shawnee Mission Park at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS 66218. The installation will be unveiled during the opening night of Theatre in the Park's outdoor season in late May 2025 and remain on display through fall of 2026. Theatre in the Park is one of the country's largest outdoor community theatres, welcoming more than 27,000 theatre-goers each summer.

The temporary art installation will be placed at the front entrance on a grassed surface approximately 10' x 10' in size. There is no defined height restriction, and anchoring into the ground is possible and encouraged. The artwork should be designed to be fun, interactive, and/or participatory, creating a sense of magic that can be enjoyed during daylight and evening hours. Artists are encouraged to incorporate lighting as part of their design. Interactive sound elements should not be incorporated due to potential distraction during live performances. The piece should be site-specific and inspired by the usage and visitation of Theatre in the Park and the larger trail network. The artwork is expected to last at least 18 months.

The selected artist will be responsible for designing, fabricating, and installing the artwork, managing all aspects of installation and deinstallation, and developing final design documents. JCPRD planning staff will assist with navigating electrical needs, and the use of solar-generated power is encouraged. The artist will also be asked to develop and lead one community engagement activity or educational program at no cost to the public, related to the artwork development process or the artwork itself. This opportunity is open to professional artists, emerging artists, or artist teams residing within 500 miles of Kansas City. Applicants must submit work samples (3-7 images and up to 3 videos), a CV/resume, professional references, and responses to open-ended questions through CaFÉ by December 10, 2024 at 11:59 PM MT. A virtual open house/informational session will be held via Zoom on October 24 from 11-11:30 a.m.