Convivencia Comes to an End, Art in the Loop 2024
By Ann Holliday, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Downtown Council of Kansas City
Art enthusiasts and the Downtown community celebrated the 2024 Art in the Loop Project: Convivencia with dance, poetry, and artist talks at the Kansas City Public Library Central Library last month as the curated outdoor exhibition and performance series, staged in partnership with the KC Streetcar Authority as the season came to an end.
Art directors Jade Osborne and Marissa Starke led presentations highlighting all the offerings, and selected artists presented their works and discussed their experiences that took place in Downtown Kansas City from June to October 2024.
The event included the poetry of Fenom D. Poet, social practice engagement with Sheri Purpose Hall, and a dance performance by Oliva Emert & Company.
The 2024 theme, convivencia, inspired the artists as they responded to this Spanish word alluding to living together with differences in the space between harmony and conflict where friction is a warm and creative energy.
“Convivencia calls us to embrace our diversity, to celebrate our shared humanity, and to create spaces where everyone belongs. It’s a concept we need now more than ever—in times when people sometimes feel divided, convivencia reminds us of the power of gathering together, of seeing one another fully, and of building something greater than ourselves,” shared Donna Mandelbaum, KC Streetcar Authority Communications Director and Art in the Loop Board Member during her presentation. “We need artists and musicians more than ever to remind us of these values. Artists and musicians are the ones who transform public spaces into places of connection, who spark conversations that help us find commonality, and who inspire hope in all of us. Art is essential for building convivencia because it reaches people’s hearts and minds in ways that nothing else can.”
Art in the Loop unveiled its new impact video at the event:
And released its 2024 catalog:
Click here to see the catalog.
The annual Art in the Loop Project would not be possible without the support and guidance of the Art in the Loop Board of Directors, the participation of the local arts community, the guidance of our 2024 art directors, Marissa Starke and Jade Osborne, and the creativity of our 2024 graphic designer Khyneesha Edwards. Our vendors, Signco, Printing Services and Fresco Marketing have become a key part of our team.
The Kansas City Public Library and its incredible staff provide invaluable insight and logistical support as our opening and closing event site partner. The City Market and Union Station also welcome Art in the Loop to their facilities. The KC Streetcar Authority has shown its commitment to connecting people and places through transit and the arts. We greatly appreciate their support.
Corporations, institutions, government agencies, arts organizations, and individuals also relate to the connecting power of the arts and have supported Art in the Loop through sponsorships and charitable donations. We greatly appreciate their support.
Interested in learning more about how you become involved with Art in the Loop?
We have opportunities on our board of directors, artist selection panels, and event support. Learn more about making an individual donation, corporate sponsorship, or in-kind contribution here.
For more information contact Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Downtown Council and Executive Director of the Art in the Loop Foundation.
