Sporting KC and the ArtsKC - Regional Arts Council announced on Tuesday a joint collaboration to co-host a design challenge for local artists to create artwork which showcases the beautiful game and celebrates soccer in Kansas City. Up to 20 selected artists will have their pieces on display during a First Friday gallery exhibition at the Three Points Club on May 2 and also at Sporting Park during “Art in the Park” in conjunction with Sporting Kansas City’s home match on May 14 (tickets available on Ticketmaster.com).
The gallery exhibition will feature a live DJ and appearances by Sporting Kansas City players with drinks and appetizers available for ticket holders. All pieces will be available to purchase by the general public and a portion of all ticket and art sale proceeds will benefit the Victory Project and the ArtsKC fund.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for collaboration between Sporting Kansas City and ArtsKC,” said Brandi Thomas, Sporting Kansas City Community Programs Manager. “We are excited to see the results of this unique initiative and raise funds for two very important charities that will allow us to make a difference in the community while showcasing the talents of local artists and their passion for the beautiful game of soccer.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Sporting Kansas City on this project to showcase artists and raise money for the Victory Project and the ArtsKC Fund which provides grants to artists and arts organizations across the five county region,” said Harlan Brownlee, President and CEO of ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council. “Both Sporting and ArtsKC believe that whether it happens on the pitch or on a canvas, innovation and creativity are keys to making Kansas City a great place to live and work. We hope our supporters will participate in the May 2 exhibition opening and the Art in the Park game day event, and that this is the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership for Sporting Kansas City and ArtsKC.”
ArtsKC has distributed a “Call for Artists” outlining eligibility and selection guidelines for visual artists with ties to Kansas City to submit their proposal prior to the April 1 submission deadline. A cash prize will be awarded to one artist for “best in show” and all artists whose work is selected for the gallery exhibition will receive a portion of sale proceeds as well as two tickets and on-field recognition for Sporting KC’s May 14 match.
About the ArtsKC fund
In 2007, a group led by ArtsKC (then, The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City) created the ArtsKC Fund, a united arts fund, in order to provide ongoing support for artists and arts organizations in the five-county metropolitan area. Since then, the Fund has made 612 grants totaling $2.7M. The ArtsKC Fund provides grants for artists, arts organizations, and arts programming throughout the five country metro area. Funds are raised annually, with contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations, provide broad-based support for the entire arts community. Each Spring, ArtsKC – Regional Arts Council, teams up with local businesses, civic leaders, and the community at large to raise financial support that ensures our arts ecology continues to thrive.
About The Victory Project
Sporting Club, the parent organization of Sporting Kansas City, launched The Victory Project in 2013 as a community-driven foundation to meaningfully and tangibly impact children with cancer in the Kansas City region. In 2014, The Victory Project expanded its mission to help all children thrive through life’s challenges. The Victory Project is fostering a generosity movement that unites Sporting Kansas City fans, players and staff. For more information on The Victory Project, to donate to the initiative or to nominate a child for assistance, visit VictoryKC.org.
