The Call for Artists is Now Open

Are you an artist residing in the Kansas City metro area? 
View the call details below and apply to be considered for this project!

Application deadline: February 3, 2022

Questions and Virtual Open House Available for Artists

A virtual open house was held on January 12 at 12:30 pm to field any questions from prospective artists about this project. The Q&A and presentation from the virtual open house can be found below.

Project Overview

The Natural Resources staff at JCPRD does a tremendous amount of work in JCPRD parks on land restoration – restoring prairies, woodlands and other habitats that have been disturbed through agriculture and other previous land use, as well as by invasive species. Much of this work happens quietly through the hard work of staff and volunteers and is not widely known or understood by the public.

In 2022, an artist, working closely with the Natural Resources staff, will be engaged to develop a public-facing project to raise awareness of this work and help people connect to it in new ways.

The goals for the Art and Natural Resources Residency are to:

• Create interactive, artistic experiences that allow park visitors to learn about the land restoration and the ecology and natural systems that make up the JCPRD parks. Specifically, this ANRR will focus on the health of forests and the effect of the invasive species at Shawnee Mission Park.
• Provide a platform for artists to create new, engaging art projects that grow out of an exploration of the work of the Natural Resources team, the process of land restoration, and the ecology and natural systems of JCPRD parks.
• Increase community engagement, awareness, and appreciation related to the JCPRD Natural Resource Plan and the efforts and impact our staff have on the health of our natural ecosystem.
• Support the growth and development of Kansas City regional artists.

Tentative timeline for the project:

The Art and Natural Resources Residency Art Selection Committee includes:

Ryan Bell
JCPRD Fine Arts Coordinator

Matt Garrett
JCPRD Biologist

Megan Garrett
JCPRD Planning & Development

Linda Lehrbahm
Kansas City Wildlands

Susan Mong
JCPRD Superintendent of Culture