Located just northeast of downtown Kansas City, Liberty, Mo., is quietly building a collection of public art in its historic downtown through both public and private efforts to support the arts.
The Liberty Arts Commission, one of the catalysts behind this effort, is ramping up its support for its Public Sculpture Program by providing more funding for honorariums for up to six new sculptures in Liberty’s historic downtown.
In its first year, the program brought Jacob Burmood’s Plumb Twisted to downtown Liberty to augment a growing collection of public sculptures and murals in and around Liberty’s historic downtown. Burmood’s sculpture will remain on display through mid-July2018, when sculptures from the new program year will be installed.
In 2018, the Public Sculpture Program will select up to six original, three-dimensional works of art to be displayed for a one-year period in the Liberty downtown area. Selected artists will receive a $2,000 honorarium, public recognition and the opportunity for sales. The City of Liberty has the option to purchase at least one piece of art from each cycle, which would become a part of the City’s permanent art collection. Existing works and concept proposals will be considered. Applications are due by April 2, 2018.
In addition to the increased honorariums, the Liberty Arts Commission is looking to expand its call for entries through CaFé, CallforEntry.org. For more information about the public sculpture program or to apply online go to www.libertymissouri.gov/sculptureprogram.
The Public Sculpture Program is funded through the Transient Guest Tax and is designed to increase public engagement in the arts and build on a burgeoning arts culture to draw tourism to Liberty.
The Liberty Arts Commission is the arts advocacy agency for the City of Liberty. The commission serves as a catalyst to support, sustain and strengthen the community by increasing awareness, opportunities and public involvement in local arts and cultural activities.
