Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City officials announced that the Belgian artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh will get the $2.18 million public art commission to renovate Barney Allis Plaza. Pieterjan Gijs and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh make up the team, which is known around the world for its large-scale, site-specific works that combine art and architecture. These works often change how people experience and move through public places.
Their installations are known for exploring transparency, silhouettes, and how people perceive space. They inspire people to interact with them and show off the distinct character of each area. City officials argue that their way of doing things makes them the best candidate to build a famous landmark in the middle of downtown. From the start, public art has been a big part of the plan for the renovated plaza. The idea is to build community and civic pride.
The commission is the biggest public art investment in Kansas City, other than the new airport terminal. The selection process started with a global Request for Qualifications, which got 251 applications from all across the world, including 13 local artist teams. The process was led by Petrichor Projects and the City’s Public Art Administrator. It included opportunities for the community to get involved, instructional seminars, and a mentoring program to help artists fill out the application.
A Shortlist Committee made up of people from the Nelson-Atkins Museum, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Kansas City Art Institute chose seven finalists from around the world. These artists were asked to come to Kansas City for several days, where they showed off their concept designs in June 2025 and talked to a Stakeholder Panel made up of Municipal Arts Commission members, local art institutions, and city convention representatives. On August 8, 2025, the panel’s suggestion was officially accepted.
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City Manager Mario Vasquez praised the outcome, noting that the winning design not only enhances the plaza but also reflects Kansas City’s resilience and creativity.
“We are thrilled to bring worldwide recognition to Kansas City through this extraordinary public art commission. The immense talent and diverse perspectives represented by the artists who applied—from around the globe—reflect the vibrant and inclusive spirit of our city. Gijs Van Vaerenbergh’s work is a stunning tribute to the resilience and creativity that defines Kansas City. Their design is not only an artistic transformation of Barney Allis Plaza, but a powerful reflection of the strength and unity that we continue to build upon as a community. Thanks to the selection panel for their work through this process,” City Manager Mario Vasquez said.
The City Council will see the final art concept contract as soon as mid-August 2025. The One Percent for Art initiative in Kansas City paid for the project. It is part of a bigger plan to rehabilitate the area, which includes replacing the old underground parking and improving the urban park nearby.
Once it’s done, the new Barney Allis Plaza is planned to be a must-see place. It will have a landmark public artwork that represents Kansas City’s cultural essence and will be a lively, welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
