Kansas City calling on artists to help transform Barney Allis Plaza
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Last summer, Kansas City broke ground on a complete overhaul of Barney Allis Plaza. The city says it is looking to transform the plaza into an iconic landmark in the heart of downtown, and is putting the word out to artists across the world to help make that happen.
“We are looking for an artist, or an artist team to develop the entire park,” said Tiffany Meesha Thompson, the founding director of Petrichor Projects. “This is very, very unique in that, it doesn’t happen very often. There are a handful of parks around the world that are offered to an artist to envision the entire park.”
Petrichor Projects will serve as the curatorial consultant, according to the city, ‘collaborating with the design and construction teams to ensure art is thoughtfully integrated into the site and will be an essential element of the plaza’s identity’. A Request for Qualifications, or RGF, is now open.
“It’s a big project,” said Thompson. “In order for us to feel that we are really being expansive in our search, we wanted to offer this opportunity to artists around the world. We are looking for excellence, we are looking for iconic, we are looking for a cohesive vision. That’s why we are making this an opportunity for artists around the globe.”
The one-square-block plaza is surrounded by hotels, offices, the convention center and more. Back in June, the city said it planned for the redesign to include plaza space, lawn space, pavilion space, and artwork.
While it just looks like a construction zone right now, the city has a vision of making this another iconic landmark for residents and those visiting Kansas City alike.
“This is a gathering place, a place for people to come and feel inspired and connected to the city that they are in,” said Sherae Honeycutt, a Kansas City Spokeswoman. “We hope that this is a place that isn’t just for people to come to enjoy the greenery, enjoy the art, but brings people together the way this plaza was originally meant to do.”
The city hopes the space, a blank canvas for now, will define the next era of downtown KC.
“I can see children and families,” said Thompson. “People walking, holding hands, engaging in the art, really enjoying themselves. I think it’s going to be incredibly experiential. I think it’s going to be iconic in nature. I think it will drive people, not only our local residents to the park, to the plaza, but also people from around the globe. I’m really excited to see that happen.”
Kansas City and Petrichor Projects will be overseeing the selection process, along with a of museum professionals, curators, and public art experts who will review applications. The city says shortlisted candidates will get a proposal fee to develop their concepts. The winning artist, or artist team, will be selected by a committee of stakeholders and community .
The deadline to apply is March 28. Artists with questions regarding the public art process can email Thompson at [email protected].
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