For Immediate Release: August 8th, 2025

Kansas City is proud to announce that Gijs Van Vaerenbergh has been selected for the $2.18 million public art commission at Barney Allis Plaza. The Belgian artist duo, composed of Pieterjan Gijs and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh, creates large-scale, site-specific works that reframe how we perceive and move through public space.

Working at the intersection of art and architecture, Gijs Van Vaerenbergh is known for installations that explore transparency, silhouette, and spatial perception. Their work encourages public interaction and is deeply shaped by the character of each site—making them a fitting choice to transform the downtown plaza into an iconic landmark.

Public art has been envisioned as a core design element of Barney Allis Plaza from the outset—essential to activating the park, shaping its identity, and creating a place that fosters connection, reflection, and civic pride.

“Gijs Van Vaerenbergh’s work is spatial poetry,” said Tiffany Meesha Thompson, curatorial consultant and founding director of Petrichor Projects. “Their practice expands the possibilities of public art—creating environments that unfold around you. It’s an honor to bring their vision to the heart of Kansas City.”

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) toward this commission—the City’s largest investment in public art next to Kansas City International Airport’s new terminal—elicited 251 submissions from around the world, including 13 artist teams from the Kansas City area. Led by Petrichor Projects and the City of Kansas City’s Public Art Administrator, multiple community engagement opportunities were offered to artists interested in learning more about the RFQ and selection process. These included an in-person and virtual information session, as well as in-person office hour sessions—a mentoring program—held over three days at different locations throughout Kansas City, Mo.

The Barney Allis Plaza selection process introduced a curatorial model demonstrating how major civic commissions can be shaped through collaboration between museums, public art experts, and civic leadership. RFQ submissions were carefully reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria: artistic excellence, relevant prior experience, site-specific sensitivity, endurance and suitability. From the pool of submissions, a Shortlist Committee composed of representatives from the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, and KCAI’s Emily and Todd Voth Artspace, narrowed the field to seven internationally-acclaimed artists and studio finalists.

As part of the final selection process, all seven finalists were invited to Kansas City for a curated multi-day visit, culminating in their concept presentations at the beginning of June 2025. Each artist team shared their concept design and was interviewed by a Stakeholder Panel. The Stakeholder Panel, including members of the Municipal Arts Commission (MAC), representatives from local art institutes, and City Conventions, made its recommendation to the full MAC on Friday, August 8, 2025.

“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.

An ordinance for the final art concept contract will be introduced to the Kansas City Council as early as the middle of August 2025. The Barney Allis Plaza redevelopment is funded through Kansas City’s One Percent for Art program, administered by James Martin, the City’s public art administrator.

Media with questions may contact Sherae Honeycutt, press secretary for City of Kansas City at sherae.honeycutt@kcmo.org or (816) 946-3611.

About the Project
The historic Barney Allis Plaza, an iconic landmark in Kansas City, stands as a testament to the city’s enduring spirit and commitment to progress. Barney Allis Plaza is a one-block urban park, on top of an underground garage, located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The project includes the demolition and replacement of the existing Auditorium Parking Garage, Barney Allis Plaza, and associated improvements around the project site. This redevelopment showcases the best of Kansas City with a must-see venue for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

Public art has been envisioned as a core design element from the outset—integral to activating the plaza, shaping its identity, and creating a space that invites connection, reflection, and civic pride. The commissioned artwork will serve as a visual landmark and a catalyst for public life in this newly reimagined civic space. Learn more at https://barneyallis.org.

Photo Credit for Artists Gijs Van Vaerenbergh: Damon De Backer