Barney Allis Plaza RFQ

The City of Kansas City, Missouri’s One Percent for Art program, in partnership with Petrichor Projects, HOK, and the McCownGordon Design-Build Team, invites artists to submit their qualifications for a monumental public art commission at the reimagined Barney Allis Plaza, a one-square-block park in the heart of downtown Kansas City. As the city’s Front Door, this revitalized urban hub will celebrate culture, community, and civic pride, creating a dynamic gathering space that welcomes both residents and visitors.

This rare and prestigious opportunity invites an artist or artist team from around the globe to transform Barney Allis Plaza into an iconic cultural landmark. The selected artist(s) will develop a cohesive, site-wide artistic vision that integrates artworks into the park’s design, fostering an immersive and unified experience.

Petrichor Projects, led by Tiffany Meesha Thompson, EMBA, will serve as the curatorial arts consultant, working closely with HOK and McCownGordon Construction to ensure art is thoughtfully embedded throughout the site. Designed to inspire joy and connection, the project provides a unique platform for artistic innovation—positioning Barney Allis Plaza as a must-visit destination and a lasting symbol of creativity, community, and Kansas City’s forward-looking spirit.

Project Overview

The redevelopment of Barney Allis Plaza and the new Auditorium Plaza Garage will provide essential infrastructure while serving as a platform for public art. This site-specific commission will be a cornerstone of the transformation, elevating the plaza into a landmark space that reflects the spirit and ambition of Kansas City.

The reimagined plaza will feature green spaces, a dog park, an all-ages play area, flexible lawn spaces, and event plazas designed to accommodate both small gatherings and large-scale events. The commissioned artworks should enhance the site’s architectural and landscape design, creating an immersive experience that speaks to the power of public art to shape place and identity.

Shortlisted artists will be encouraged to consider both the plaza and the Auditorium Plaza Garage, exploring opportunities to integrate art across the entire site. The commission presents a global call to visionary artists who can challenge expectations, engage diverse audiences, and leave a lasting mark.

The artwork should be designed for all abilities, ensuring that Barney Allis Plaza remains an inclusive, welcoming space where people connect through shared experiences.

Selection Criteria

• Artistic Excellence: The artist’s portfolio should demonstrate originality, innovation, and exceptional quality, showcasing an ability to create enduring works of art that captivate the imagination and inspire audiences. The applicant's work should contribute to shaping the park into an iconic, globally recognized destination that attracts visitors from around the world.
• Relevant Prior Experience: The applicant has experience with projects of a similar scale and budget and has coordinated with multiple stakeholders.
• Site-Specific Sensitivity: The portfolio reflects the applicant’s ability to create work that responds thoughtfully to the site's social, economic, cultural, historical, and physical context.
• Endurance and Suitability: The portfolio demonstrates the applicant’s ability to create durable, long-lasting works designed for permanent outdoor environments, utilizing materials and processes suited to public art longevity.

Artists without this expertise are encouraged to collaborate with partners skilled in these practices.

Selection Process

Petrichor Projects, in collaboration with Kansas City’s Public Art Administrator, will oversee the artist selection process. Submissions will be reviewed by a Shortlist Panel composed of museum professionals, art curators, and public art experts, who will evaluate candidates based on their qualifications.

Shortlisted artists will receive a proposal fee and be invited to submit a detailed proposal (RFP). The final selection will be made by a Selection Committee, which will include stakeholders and community members.

Budget

The total minimum art budget for this project is $2,180,000.

A single artist or artist team will receive a minimum total fee of $2,180,000 to develop and implement a cohesive, site-wide artistic vision across Barney Allis Plaza and the Auditorium Parking Garage. The artist may allocate this budget to support multiple artworks within the site.

This all-inclusive budget covers artist fees, materials, fabrication, installation, and all associated implementation costs.

Information Sessions

An Information Session will be held at the Crossroads Hotel to provide an overview of the Barney Allis Plaza project and answer any questions about the RFQ. This session offers artists an opportunity to learn more about the project’s vision, scope, and expectations while engaging directly with representatives from Petrichor Projects and the City of Kansas City’s Art Administrator.

In-Person Session
March 3, 2025 | 6:00 PM CST
Crossroads Hotel – Private Dining Room, 2101 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64108

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual session will also be available via Zoom.

Virtual Session
March 3, 2025 | 9:00 AM CST
JOIN THE MEETING
 

Addendum: Q&A

Q: Is there a recording of the virtual Artist Information Session held March 3, 2025?

A: A recording is available at https://barneyallis.org/public-art/ 

Q: What is required to participate in the RFQ?

A: Artists who would like to participate in the Request for Qualifications must complete the following:

• Establish a free account on Call for Entry (Café)
• Provide contact information
• Submit a brief letter of interest
• Include a CV
• Provide three references
• Upload up to 20 images of past work

Q: Is this project part of the KCMO One Percent for Art program, or is it funded through public or private sources?
A: Yes, this project falls under the KCMO One Percent for Art program. All funding to date is from public sources.

Q: Why is the budget described as a "minimum"? Is there a maximum budget?
A: Additional funding is currently being pursued for the public art commission. There is no maximum budget.

Q. Can a fabrication facility or architecture firm be considered part of my collaborative team?

A: Yes.

Q: Can an architecture firm be part of multiple teams?

A: Yes.

Q: For submissions on Café, should the project budget include only production costs, or should it reflect the overall retail price, including the artist fee?

A: The project budget should reflect the total cost, including the artist fee.

Q: Who is responsible for paying the selected artist? Is the artist required to become a City vendor?

A: The awarded artist will be contracted by the City and will be required to register as a vendor to receive payment.

Q: What is the project timeline?
A: The following is the project timeline, subject to change:

• March 28, 2025 – RFQ closes
• Mid-April 2025 – Shortlist announced; selected artists enter contracts for concept proposals
• End of May 2025 – Stakeholder panel conducts interviews and selects the commissioned artist
• June 2026 – Targeted project completion, contingent on the overall team timeline

Q: How much of the "art areas visioning" has been completed?

A: None. Shortlisted artists are encouraged to develop their own vision.

Q: During which phase will public art be integrated and installed?

A: The awarded artist will begin integrating the artwork immediately after contracting. Installation will be coordinated with the design team schedule. 

Q: Is it too late to integrate artwork into construction areas such as poured sidewalks, mosaics, restrooms, or to run electrical and tie into the base build? Will artists be responsible for these costs if they are already included in the base build budget?

A: No, art can be integrated into the construction. Project budgets will be calculated on a delta basis when an artwork enhances a required building or public realm component.

Q: What is the proposal fee (honorarium/stipend) for semi-finalists in the RFP process?
A: $10,000.

Q: Who is on the "Shortlist Panel" (Selection Panel)? Will it include local arts professionals? Will two members of the MAC be included since this is an One Percent for Art project?

A: The Shortlist Panel will include several local museum professionals, art curators, and public art experts. The Municipal Art Commission will be involved in the final selection committee.

Q: Does the eligibility rule for artists receiving One Percent for Art commissions within the past two years apply?

A: Yes. Artists who have an active KCMO One Percent for Art contract dated within two years of the Barney Allis Plaza contract date are not eligible—unless they apply as part of a team. Additionally, they cannot serve as the lead artist on the team.

Q: Where can additional renderings, measurements, overall specifications, and other design materials be accessed to understand the look, feel, and branding of the area? What site drawings will be provided to shortlisted artists? Will they have the opportunity to meet with the architects for a Q&A?

A: These materials will be provided to shortlisted artists. Additionally, shortlisted artists will meet with the architectural team.

Q: Will Q&A discussions and topics covered during individual artist Office Hours be shared publicly in an addendum? Are all Barney Allis applicants required to schedule Office Hours?

A: Office Hours are optional one-on-one mentoring sessions intended to support artists in their career development as it relates to public art. These discussions will not be shared in an addendum.

Q: Will the in-person Info Session be recorded and made available as a public resource?

A: No. However, a recording of the online virtual Artists Information Session is available at https://barneyallis.org/public-art/.

Q: What is Petrichor Projects' role once the finalist/artist team is selected? 

A: Petrichor Projects serves as the curatorial arts consultant, working in collaboration with HOK and McCownGordon. Their role includes, but is not limited to, developing cultural placemaking strategies, providing curatorial expertise, integrating the selected artist(s) into the design team, facilitating collaboration between stakeholders, and overseeing comprehensive project management from concept development through installation.

Office Hours 

As part of Petrichor Projects' commitment to community engagement, Office Hours is a program designed to connect artists with public art opportunities at Barney Allis Plaza and beyond. Offered by Founding Director Tiffany Meesha Thompson, these free one-on-one mentoring sessions provide guidance and support to artists, helping them navigate the public art process. This mentorship opportunity is open to artists interested in applying for the Barney Allis Plaza commission or those looking to participate in future public art opportunities.

Tiffany will assist artists with:

• Portfolio reviews
• Refining submission
• Navigating the RFQ/RFP process

Details
Office Hours will take place over three days at the following locations in Kansas City:

• Thursday, February 27, 2025, 9AM-4 PM | Zhou B Art Center
• Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 12PM-5 PM | Charlotte Street
• Thursday, March 6, 2025, 9AM-4 PM | Line Creek Community Center

Local artists will have priority scheduling through February 25th. After this date, any remaining slots will be available to artists from any location. Artists interested in participating must register in advance for a 1-hour time slots. To sign up, please visit the following link:

SIGN UP FOR OFFICE HOURS 

About Barney Allis Plaza

Barney Allis Plaza is Kansas City’s front door—a place where the community and visitors from around the world are welcomed into the heart of the city. This one-square-block urban park, elevated above the Auditorium Parking Garage, is undergoing a complete redesign and reconstruction, transforming it into a beacon of creativity and civic pride. Framed by the Kansas City Convention Center, the historic Folly Theater, and a skyline of hotels and offices, it will become a central hub of activity and connection.

At the center of this ambitious reimagining is a rare and prestigious commission for a single artist or artist team to shape the plaza’s identity. This commission will integrate art throughout the design of the plaza, creating a cohesive experience that transforms the space into a cultural landmark. 

New amenities will enhance public life, transforming Barney Allis Plaza into a vibrant hub for community and culture. With a dog park, an all-ages play area, and flexible event spaces, it will be a lively destination for gathering, recreation, and cultural events in downtown Kansas City.

With its high visibility and central location, Barney Allis Plaza will stand as a beacon of Kansas City’s creativity and forward-thinking spirit, welcoming all who come to explore, gather, and celebrate.

Learn more at barneyallis.org.
 

About Petrichor Projects 

Petrichor Projects delivers monumental public art initiatives around the globe. Its dynamic team specializes in strategic planning, curatorial expertise, and comprehensive project management, establishing creative partnerships with leading cultural institutions, corporations, and civic organizations worldwide.

At the forefront of transformative public art initiatives, Petrichor Projects brings innovative approaches to cultural placemaking. They activate public spaces and bring museum-caliber projects to life. Excelling in steering art initiatives that range from intimate encounters to awe-inspiring civic experiences, Petrichor Projects leaves an indelible mark on the global artistic landscape.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

• Letter of Interest: A statement describing interest in the project and relevant experience.
• Portfolio of Past Work: Up to 20 images
• Image or Video List & Descriptions: Include a short description (Maximum 5 sentences) for each project, detailing: Title, date, medium, dimensions, total project budget, and collaborators.
• CV: A single resume showcasing professional experience, accompanied by a link to an online website or instagram. If collaborators are involved, include their resumes as additional pages.
• Professional References: Contact information for 3 references who have direct experience working with you on art or public art projects.

Eligibility Criteria

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is open to professional artists or artist teams internationally. Applicants with experience creating public art projects of various scales and budgets, as well as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, are encouraged to apply. Artists without direct experience in these areas may apply as part of a collaborative team.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A proven record of professional artistic practice, demonstrated through a portfolio of original, high-quality, and innovative work.
• Experience executing complex projects, including a strong understanding of fabrication and installation processes.
• The ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with designers and engineers, and oversee subcontractors or consultants as needed.