Local artists have an opportunity to honor baseball legend and local icon Buck O’Neil through a large-scale mural project. The Art in the Loop Foundation, partnering with the Missouri Dept. of Transportation, is calling for artists to create a semi-permanent artwork beneath the new Buck O’Neil Bridge in downtown Kansas City.
The project, set to be completed by November 2024, will transform up to 4,846 square feet of wall space into a vibrant tribute to O’Neil’s legacy, from playing with the KC Monarchs and becoming the first Black coach in Major League Baseball to helping establish the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. He was posthumously inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
This initiative aims to beautify the area connecting downtown Kansas City with North Kansas City.
The mural will be at the southern base of the — currently being rebuilt — Buck O’Neil Bridge at Broadway and Third Street. The Art in the Loop Foundation and MoDOT encourage artists from diverse backgrounds to apply, aiming to create a mural that truly represents the spirit of Kansas City and the enduring legacy of O’Neil.
Artists interested in applying should meet the following criteria:
- Reside within 60 miles of KCMO.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide proof of insurance
The deadline for applications is Aug. 22 at 11:59 p.m. A panel of arts professionals will review applications, and four finalists will receive a $500 stipend to develop and present their proposals before the winning proposal is selected in October.
The project’s vision encompasses themes such as:
- The history of the Riverfront area and historic bridges
- The present-day multicultural community
- Buck O’Neil’s legacy
The artwork should speak to the bridge’s namesake (O’Neil), the waterfront, and the surrounding community. The area is a mixed-use district, with art galleries, small businesses, local restaurants, and apartments side by side with light industrial properties.
Artists can apply by submitting:
- A letter of interest (250 words max)
- Professional resume/CV (3 pages max)
- Images of past work (up to 15)
- Two references
The project offers a unique opportunity for local artists to contribute to the city’s cultural landscape while honoring a pivotal figure in Black history. The total budget for the selected artist or team is $50,000, covering all expenses, including design, fabrication, and installation.
For more info, artists can contact Marissa Starke, Art in the Loop project manager, at marissastarke@gmail.com. Artists should submit application materials directly at https://bit.ly/BuckMural.
