Call Detail
Convention Center
Entry Deadline: 7/15/19
Application Closed
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 6
Video | Minimum:Min. 0, Maximum:Max. 2
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 6, Maximum:Max. 8
Call Type: Public Art
Eligibility: National
State: Missouri

The City of Kansas City, Missouri is seeking one artist and/or one artist team to develop and create original, innovative new works of visual art for exterior or interior spaces of the Kansas City Convention Center, located at 201 West 14th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105. New works of visual art may include but are not limited to 2D and 3D mediums such as painting, drawing, mural, photography, textile, mixed media, ceramic, digital media, light installation, glass, and sculpture. Bronze or other traditional statue works are not desired.

The selected artist will create one (1) work of art for the Kansas City Convention Center. The selected artist will work collaboratively with City staff, Convention Center stakeholders, and the design team to develop concepts that are site-specific and site-responsive.

 

BACKGROUND

The Kansas City Convention Center is Kansas City's premier event venue with multiple facilities encompassing more than 800,000 square feet dedicated to year-round operations. Opening in 2007, the Grand Ballroom is located on the southeast side of the eight-square block Convention Center complex and stretches across 670-highway. Adjacent to the Grand Ballroom, a new 24-story Loews Convention Center Hotel is currently under construction and expected to open spring 2020. The Grand Ballroom and the new Loews Convention Center Hotel are linked by a beautiful glass skywalk above Wyandotte Street.

 

The success and services of the Convention Center, its Grand Ballroom and new Loews Convention Center Hotel celebrate Kansas City and its civic prosperity. The intent, architecture and function of these spaces add to the allure of downtown Kansas City as a top destination for tourism and business.

 

The 46,484-square-foot Grand Ballroom can support up to 4,000 people per event and is one of America’s largest green ballrooms, certified LEED Silver, boasting waterless plumbing, energy-efficient heating & cooling and one of the most sophisticated lighting systems in the world. Grand Ballroom events include galas and expos, meetings and conventions, weddings, pageants, banquets, sports and entertainment, and more.

 

The Loews Convention Center Hotel will showcase 800 guestrooms, a lobby bar, signature restaurant, three meal restaurant, indoor lap pool and 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

“It’s not just a building. This is a physical manifestation of the transformation of Kansas City in a lot of ways.”  - Mayor Sly James, referring to the Loews Convention Center Hotel.

The Kansas City Convention Center complex and its new Loews Hotel are within walking distance to key attractions and other destination landmarks like the Kansas City Power & Light District, Sprint Center, KC Streetcar and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

 

THE NEED

The tourism industry in Kansas City generates about $5.5 billion in economic activity each year. Kansas City has interest to continue to grow that business because it means more jobs and opportunity.

Capital improvements include:

  • New Loews Convention Center Hotel
  • New Bridge Link to Grand Ballroom
  • New Grand Ballroom Banquet Kitchen and Carpet Remodel

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

BUDGET/COMMISSION

Artwork for this project will be commissioned through the City of Kansas City, MO. Artists will coordinate their work with City staff, Convention Center staff and stakeholders, construction and design team. The estimated budget for the artwork and all related art project costs is $100,000.

 

ELIGIBILITY

The opportunity to compete for this project is open to all professional artists residing in the United States. The City of Kansas City, MO does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Qualifications that are submitted by members of the Artist Selection Panel or Municipal Art Commission or their relatives will not be considered. Experience with public art projects, especially in relation to capital projects, is preferred but not required. Applicants must be able to work effectively within the project timeline and collaborate with the design team and multiple government agencies.

 

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection panel includes artists and arts professionals familiar with the field of public art, community representatives, Loews Hotel representatives, Convention Center representatives, design professionals, and neighboring businesses. The panel will select one (1) artist who will be asked to work with the City staff, Convention Center staff and stakeholders, construction and design team to develop and create site-specific, site-responsive new work for the Kansas City Convention Center.

The criteria used by the panel will include the artists’ professional credentials as evidenced by the submitted materials.

 

SUBMISSIONS

All submissions are to be provided through the online Café platform.

Submissions must be a minimum of 6 images along with an artists statement and CV. Please include a link to your CV in the artist statement section of the application. 
 

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Art location diagrams and photos. This RFQ includes diagrams and photos of proposed locations for the new artwork. Artists are encouraged but not restricted to installations at the locations proposed. Locations shown are within the capital improvements areas of work.

 

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE

Qualifications Due: 15 July 2019

Submissions Reviewed: 29 July 2019

 

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria