Local Artists Invited to Bring New Life

Kansas City's One Percent for Art Program is seeking local professional artists or artist teams to design and paint murals on 12 columns at the I-70 underpass along Brooklyn Avenue. The project is located within the Independence Plaza and Forgotten Homes neighborhoods of Kansas City, Missouri.

Two to five semifinalists will be selected to advance to the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase, where they will develop and present mural concepts. The total project budget is $30,000, and each semifinalist will receive a $1,000 stipend for their design proposal.

How to Apply
Eligible artists may apply through the online application available via CaFÉ (Call for Entry). Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CDT on October 26, 2026.

Question and Answer Period
Questions for the Kansas City Public Art Administrator should be submitted via email to [email protected] no later than 5 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Responses will be provided through an addendum posted on the CaFÉ Call for Artists website following the virtual Q&A sessions. The committee may also address questions submitted via email during the live sessions.

Virtual Q&A Sessions
The Public Art Administrator will host virtual Q&A sessions on the following dates:

• 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Wednesday, October 7, 2026
• 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Thursday, October 8, 2026

To learn more about the One Percent for Art Program, visit kcmo.gov

About the Project
This public art initiative aims to strengthen community connections and foster neighborhood pride by celebrating the culture, history, and diverse stories that define the Independence Plaza and Forgotten Homes neighborhoods.
In 2026, Kansas City's Planning and Development Department partnered with neighborhood leaders to develop a Neighborhood Action Plan.

As the Forgotten Homes and Independence Plaza neighborhoods continue efforts to strengthen connections with the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the plan identified the Brooklyn Avenue underpass as a key opportunity to create a safer, more welcoming pedestrian experience. The mural project is intended to transform the underpass into a vibrant gateway that reflects the character and identity of the surrounding community.