KC Art on the Block | A Black Lives Matter Project

Project Overview: A Value Statement

Recent and historic atrocities committed against persons and communities of color have reignited a national conversation about race. Seizing upon this opportunity to catalyze lasting change, local civic leaders and social justice organizations have joined together to generate further momentum, via the power of art and repeat visual reinforcement. While sometimes falling short, Kansas City, MO remains a city committed to achieving equal justice and opportunities for all of its citizens and visitors. Therefore, in furtherance of the city’s August 6 resolution on this topic and endorsing this project–streets in neighborhoods across the city will reflect this value statement: Black Lives Matter.

This three-pronged Black Lives Matter project begins with six namesake street murals in diverse neighborhoods across our city. Organizers are fundraising [please donate: https://www.troostmarketcollective.org/kcartontheblock] to produce the initial street murals and simultaneously finance a city-wide Black Lives Matter “vertical” murals fund to extend this value statement from streets to buildings. Finally, organizers will make publicly-available a comprehensive “blueprint” for interested individuals or organizations to independently apply this painted value statement to their own neighborhood streets throughout Kansas City.

*Street Mural Event Details*

#KCBLM
#blacklivesmatter

Date
– Saturday, September 5, 2020 (Alternate inclement weather date: Sunday, September 6)

Time
– Street barricades arrive: 6:00am
– Mural prep and chalking: 7:00am – 11:00am
– Community participation event: 11:00am – 4:00pm

Locations
– 10th & Baltimore
– 18th & Vine
– 31st & Troost
– 63rd & Brookside Blvd.
– 63rd & Troost
– NW Briarcliff Pkwy. & N. Mulberry Dr.

Inaugural Organizers
– City of Kansas City, Missouri
– NAACP—Kansas City Missouri Branch
– Troost Market Collective
– Urban League of Greater Kansas City

Safety Commitment
– Stay home if you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19, if you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
– Wear a face mask (strictly required) at all times.
– Use 6-feet social distancing and limit physical contact.
-For detailed outdoor gathering safety recommendations, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html#event

*Financial Support*

Fundraising efforts will finance the cost of six street murals—each unique and commissioned by local artists of color. This effort is being led by Troost Market Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization focused on amplifying artists of color. [Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law.] All generated funds exceeding the street murals’ cost will underwrite a series of permanent, “vertical” Black Lives Matter murals on buildings throughout the city. Design proposals will be solicited from local artists (competition running Aug. 20 – Sept. 20) and juried by a committee established by the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, with selections announced at this year’s (virtual) Troostapalooza, organized by Troost Market Collective, in October. Vertical mural fundraising efforts will be supplemented with generous matching support, provided by the Urban League of Greater Kansas City.

*Project Originators*
Crissy Dastrup
Damian Lair

*Contact*
Please email kcartontheblock@kcmo.org with any questions or inquiries.