Lydia Avenue Garage Mural Installation - Local Artists
Kansas City is seeking local artists for an 18th and Vine Jazz District mural project with up to $185,000 in funding through the One Percent for Art Program.
The Kansas City Municipal Art Commission has reopened the call for artists to create an art installation on the new Lydia Avenue garage near 18th and Vine streets in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. After receiving feedback from local artists regarding the initial national callout, the commission voted unanimously to reissue the opportunity exclusively for local artists and those with significant ties to Kansas City.
This project is part of Kansas City's One Percent for Art Program, which is funded through public dollars. The selected artist will receive access to a maximum of $185,000 to cover the artist's fee, travel, fabrication, installation, permits, insurance, and equipment.
The initial callout received 218 applications, including 30 from local artists. However, the three finalists selected were none from Kansas City and none were artists of color. Local artists expressed concern that outside artists without cultural connection to the significance of the historic Jazz District might not adequately capture the spirit of 18th and Vine and its importance to Kansas City's Black communities.
In response, the commission has committed to:
- Keeping the reissued call local only
- Reducing the weight of prior city project experience in the selection criteria
- Hosting training events around the city to help artists prepare strong applications for city projects
- Supporting up-and-coming local artists to gain experience needed to reach the national art scene
This is a significant opportunity for Kansas City artists to work on a high-profile public art project in a historically significant neighborhood while receiving substantial financial support and recognition.