Download full project specifications here.

REQUIREMENTS (continued):

Letter of Interest
Resume/CV
List providing details of your portfolio images, such as title, date, materials, size and budget

Eligibility

[Addendum 10/22/2020: The Executive Committee for Public Art at the KCI New Single Terminal and Parking has changed the artist eligibility to International. The Executive Committee recommends that artists located outside of the United States choose a U.S.-based fabricator. End of 10/22/2020 Addendum.]

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 to apply.

Public Art Intent and Goals

The City of Kansas City, Missouri One Percent for Art program seeks to commission works of art that advance public understanding of visual art and enhance the quality of public places by selecting a qualified artist who can innovatively and thoughtfully design within the context of this project. The public art at KCI should reflect our City’s diverse demographics and should welcome travelers of all backgrounds to experience art in an inclusive environment.

Project Background

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 to be placed in The New Single Terminal at KCI airport.

Commission Description

The installation is inspired by Kansas City’s history as “The City of Fountains.” While no water may be used in this location due to its position above the terminal’s baggage system, it is intended to embody the qualities of a fountain and may be hung and/or floor mounted. The installation is centered on the clerestory “popup.” KCI intends to host musical performances in the space adjacent to the installation.

About the Site: Retail Node A

All passengers departing from and arriving to the terminal pass through the A Concourse Retail Node. This is the first space passengers see after they clear security and the last space they see before descending to the baggage claim hall. This is the central gathering space of the terminal where passengers will converge to sample local shops and restaurants, enjoy musical performances, and rest between flights. At the center of the node, the roof lifts, allowing daylight through a set of clerestory windows. Seating surrounds this central space.

View Site Details & Specifications here.

KCI Background

When it debuted on November 21, 1972, the three-terminal Kansas City International airport was at the forefront of modern aviation. With runways designed for jumbo jets and visions of supersonic travel, it was an early example of “drive to your gate” design, the ultimate in airport convenience. The terminals’ once revolutionary design is now dated, space is cramped, and amenities no longer meet travelers’ expectations. Added security requirements have also complicated the travel process by further reducing available space.

Over the years, there have been several initiatives to renovate the existing terminals or perhaps even construct an entirely new terminal. In 1995 and 2009 two KCI Master Plans recommended a single terminal.

A more in-depth study was conducted in 2013 by the City of Kansas City, Missouri City Council that included passenger goals, objectives and preferences. The Mayor’s Airport Terminal Advisory Group, the Aviation Department and its airline partners concluded a new, single-terminal design would be the best option to bring KCI up to modern standards and amenities.

In November 2017, Kansas City, Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved construction of a single airport terminal with 76 percent in favor.

The New Single Terminal and Parking at KCI Project Description

At just over one million square feet, the Kansas City International Airport Single Terminal is the largest single infrastructure project in the City’s history. It will have a profound and lasting economic impact on the region in the form of new jobs, opportunities for local and small businesses, and a first-class traveler experience for airport users.

Completion is estimated in Spring 2023, with 39 gates and the ability to expand to 50 in the future. The project will also include a seven-story 6,200-space parking structure along landside and airside improvements.

The new terminal will support more efficient airline operations and allow airport users to enjoy the convenience of modern air travel in a facility with updated technology and amenities, close parking, spacious gate areas, and ample food and beverage options.

Kansas City is being recognized more and more as a world-class city. The New Single Terminal and Parking at KCI will greet visitors with a warm Kansas City welcome and send hometown travelers off in style.

Delivering a World-Class New Terminal for Kansas City

A new airport terminal that reflects the core values and aspirations of Kansas City.

The development of a new terminal at Kansas City International Airport will enhance Kansas City's world-class reputation by adding a world-class airport terminal that will spur economic development, increase the long-term capacity of M/WBE and local firms, and build the workforce of the future.

The New Single Terminal and Parking at KCI project will be part of Kansas City’s One Percent for Art program, which began in 1986 and now features over 45 works of public art.

Budget
The total public art budget for the New Single Terminal and Parking is $5.65 million (US dollars).
The individual art location and budget are as follows:

Location: Retail Node A Fountain
Budget: up to $1,200,000, all inclusive

Budget includes, but is not limited to, stipends, design fees, travel, fabrication, supplies, material costs, delivery, approval by a Missouri-licensed engineer, lighting materials, installation, etc

Submission Materials

Please submit the following via this CaFE RFQ by no later than Sunday, December 6, 2020 by 11:59 p.m. MST. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered. The KCMO Public Art Administrator reserves the right to conduct on-site or telephone interviews to clarify submission materials as needed.

Letter of Intent, up to 1 page

• Clearly describe your interest in the project and how you will be able to contribute to its success.
• Articulate your interest and/or experience in public art design, fabrication &/or project collaboration.
• Summarize your experience in developing and/or executing creative projects of this scope in the public realm in the Kansas City metropolitan area (if applicable), airports, and beyond (e.g. site-responsive art installations, interactive and participatory artworks, multimedia projects, creative placemaking events, festivals, etc.).

Resume/CV

• Artist’s Experience: list your professional experience including any commissions, residencies, touring, exhibitions, collaborations, and projects involving the community and work in the public sector.
• Education: list your educational background and training.
• Experience working with organizations, institutions, developers, locally and beyond.
• Include up to 3 professional references

Images, video, audio or multi-media

A relevant body of work that demonstrates conceptual, aesthetic, and technical mastery in at least one artistic medium. Attach up to 10 .pdf or jpg. images &/or links and/or up to 6 each audio and/or video files.

Image List
A list providing details of your portfolio images, such as title, year made, materials, dimensions and budget.

Evaluation Criteria

The Selection Panel will use the following evaluation criteria to select an artist or artist team:

• Excellence: Works of art in the artist's portfolio are original, innovative, of exceptional quality and enduring value.

• Relevant prior experience: The artist has created projects of a similar scale and budget and has experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders; or, is jointly submitting the qualifications of a collaborator that has created such projects and that has such experience.

• Appropriateness to site and project: Works of art in the portfolio indicate that the artist is likely to be sensitive to the social, economic, cultural, historical and physical context of the site and the surrounding neighborhood, either existing or planned.

• Durability: Works of art in the artist's portfolio utilize materials and processes likely to contribute to the longevity of public works of art, especially for projects that will be located outdoors, or is willing to adopt such practices by collaborating with a partner with relevant specialized expertise.

[11/23/2020 Addendum: Diversity, equity and inclusion: The City of Kansas City, Missouri seeks a diverse, equitable and inclusive group of artists to produce public art for the New Single Terminal and Parking at KCI. Selection panelists will consider diversity, equity and inclusion when evaluating artists in conjunction with the City’s policies on contracting and hiring practices. End of 11/23/2020 Addendum.]

Selection Process

The selected Shortlisted Artists will be notified by mid-January 2021.

The Kansas City, Missouri Public Art Administrator, in conjunction with the Kansas City, Missouri Municipal Art Commission, will convene one or more selection panels to evaluate the submissions. Selection panels are comprised of area arts professionals, project stakeholders, and community members such as Municipal Art Commission appointees. Up to three semi-finalists will be selected and paid a $5,000 stipend to develop a proposal (RFP) to present to the selection panel. The selection panel will review the semi-finalist proposals, budgets and qualifications (images of work, resume/CV, letter of interest, references, and select one or more artist(s) or artist teams, and one alternate. The selected artist/artist team's proposal will be presented to the Municipal Art Commission for approval prior to development of a contract. All contracts may be subject to approval by the Kansas City City Council.

Semi-finalist and finalist artists seeking assistance with City of Kansas City, Missouri contract requirements should contact KC BizCare, https://www.kcmo.gov/programs-initiatives/kc-bizcare or 816-513-2492.

For questions outside of BizCare’s scope of services, artists may be referred to other resources. BizCare and other City employees and/or contractors are not authorized to give legal advice to artists. Semi-finalist and finalist artists may find it advantageous to consult with an attorney while discussing contract terms with the City.

Contract

Selected artists will be required to sign a contract outlining expectations, timelines and requirements for creating art at the New Single Terminal and Parking at KCI Project per the City of Kansas City, Missouri.

Question and Answer Period

Questions related to this project should be sent to artsbuildkci@gmail.com no later than November 1, 2020. Questions and answers will be added to this RFQ as an FAQ Addendum.

[11/9/2020 Addendum: Q&A videos and FAQs]:

Virtual Artist Information Sessions were held in October 2020 to educate artists, art teams and art fabricators about opportunities for upcoming public art commissions for the New Single Terminal and Parking at Kansas City International Airport. The virtual sessions and have been recorded. To view the posted videos, visit https://www.buildkci.com/art/

Can I apply to more than one location?

Yes, you may apply for as many locations as you like. Each location will need to be a separate application through callforentry.org, as there will be separate Selection Panels reviewing them. Also, keep in mind, your letter of interest may need to be edited slightly for each location to help the Selection Panels better understand your art/team/vision/process and how that may fit best within each location.

Can I submit proposals for my artwork idea?

At this stage, only an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) application is required. If you/your art team are selected as a semi-finalist, you will move to the RFP (Request for Proposals) phase and have the opportunity to present your concept sketches and plans for art.

Can I submit existing art or only new work?
This One Percent for Art Call for Artists is for new site-responsive work created to best fit each KCI location. Note: only during the RFP phase will concepts for art be required.

I'm a painter/photographer/2-D artist, where can I apply to show my work?

Additional RFQ locations for ceramics & the parking garage sculpture will be this winter 2020-21, and the RFQ for "portable art" (paintings/photography/textiles/2-D, digital, etc.) in the Concourses will rollout this Spring 2021.

Rotating art, performances, live music and temporary displays will be handled separately through KC Aviation Dept programming and will have a different budget and application process. Information about those programs most likely will not rollout for another year or so.

How can I connect with other artists, fabricators or art teams?

We have created a Facebook group for interested artists & fabricators to connect.

Join the New Terminal Art Group HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/666561554249877/

Note: BuildKCI does not directly partner up teams or facilitate agreements between artists and fabricators.

What are your expectations for teams of artists? If the team includes an artist, architect, engineer and others, do you want qualifications from only the artist or all the team members?

Please submit your application as a team and list all the members. Callforentry.org has an option for team applications. Note that the resume upload only allows for one document, so you may need a multi-page pdf to include each member's resumes/CV. Include additional information about your team, experience and process in your letter of interest if needed.

I will not be enlisting a fabricator until I develop a proposal. Is there a problem with applying to the RFQ as a solo artist based on past projects?

Solo artists are eligible to apply, and all applications will be judged by the same qualifications and experience criteria, whether a single artist or team.

I am a for-profit company not an artist, can I apply for the RFQ?

The RFQ eligibility states:

"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 to apply."

This project is presented by the One Percent for Art of the City of Kansas City Missouri, so professional artists are the main applicants. We recommend that fabricators/designers/other organizations partner with an artist to form an art team to meet eligibility criteria and show a diverse portfolio of work and letter of interest explanation for the Selection Panel to consider.

What are weight limitations and size requirements for the hanging installations?

Structural provisions and requirements are included in the RFQ project specifications

During the RFP phase artists/art teams will have the opportunity to ask the KCI architects/build team additional questions about structural requirements.

Will passengers be able to experience all art installations en route through the airport to their destinations? Departing as well as arriving?

Some art locations (i.e. The Check-In Hall, Escalator to Baggage Claim and Node A “Fountain”) will be viewed by every traveler entering the Terminal. Areas such as Node B, the Connector and Concourse B will only be visible by travelers passing by those areas or connecting to flights in Concourse B. Arriving passengers will see different art areas depending on their arrivals gate and connection schedule. See Heatmap to view the layout of locations.

What is the Curation process for the art?

The KCMO One Percent for Art selection process can be found at www.kcmo.gov/art

Select the "One Percent for Art" tab, download "How KCMO selects public art for One Percent for Art project"

Can you describe the "engagement" phase with the airport team /artist/community/advisors?

The KCMO One Percent for Art selection process can be found at www.kcmo.gov/art . Artist engagement with the KCI design team would be for semifinalists in the RFP phase and finalists during the fabrication and installation of finished, as needed.

Will more information be given for additional art locations?

Yes, several more Artist Information Sessions will be scheduled in conjunction with the next RFQs rollout phases (Winter 2020-21 and Spring 2021). Updates will be posted on www.buildkci.com/art as available.

What type of continuity of design is being considered?

There is no specific "theme" required for artists to follow. Many of the art location areas will not be seen at the same time and may have a standalone concept. Additional idea prompts and background information is included in each RFQ listing for reference.

What type of art are you considering?

For information and examples of other airport public art, review the “Arts & Culture at KCI” online presentation from Spring 2020. It was one way to get informed, comment and discuss the public’s vision for art at the new single terminal and parking garage at KCI. The online presentation is still viewable by clicking here.

Is the outdoor greenspace fountain area one of the art projects?

No, the outdoor space is a separate project and budget from the One Percent for Art areas.

Do you have more images of the connector and other terminal areas?

Additional photos and renderings can be found at www.buildkci.com under "Gallery" tab.

How can I be informed of the next meetings?

If you already registered, we have your email. To subscribe to City of KCMO public art information email list visit www.kcmo.gov/subscribe and choose "Public Art Opportunities". Check back at www.buildkci.com/art as all updated info will be posted.

Questions related to this project should be sent to artsbuildkci@gmail.com no later than November 1, 2020. Questions and answers will be added to this RFQ as an FAQ Addendum.
[End of 11/9/2020 Addendum.]

Schedule

RFQ issued: October 13, 2020
Artist Information Sessions:  Wed Oct 28th 5:30-7pm & Sat Oct 31st, 10am-11:30am.
Questions due to artsbuildkci@gmail.com by November 1, 2020
Answers to questions issued by addendum to RFQ: by November 7, 2020
RFQ due: December 6, 2020 11:59pm MST
Semifinalist Artists notified: mid-January 2021
RFP issued: mid-January
RFP due: March 15, 2021
Interviews conducted between: March 15-31, 2021
Finalist notified: May 2021
Design, Site Visits, Coordination, Fabrication: 2021-2022
Artwork installation completed no later than: December 2022
Airport Opens: March 2023

Artist Information Sessions

Videoconference Artist Information Sessions will be held Wed Oct 28th, 5:30pm-7pm CDT (GMT-5) and Sat Oct 31st 10am-11:30am CDT (GMT-5). These sessions will be recorded and questions and answers resulting from these sessions will be added to this RFQ as an FAQ Addendum. Click here to register for the Artist Information Sessions.

For more information, visit https://www.buildkci.com/art/.
 

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria