By Grace Kertz, Editorial Assistant

Are you an artist rooted in the Historic Northeast community? Do you know someone who is? The Dignify Art Project is taking applications for a paid project suiting the theme: “What do you wish others knew about you?”

Independence Boulevard Christian Church (IBCC) created this project to share stories to help find and claim a common humanity. They aim to deepen connection and appreciation for people from different cultures, races, genders and economic statuses. IBCC will use the art to organize a gallery at the church and help locate other venues in the city. The project is funded by Estelle Scott and the RA Long Foundation.

“I’m just excited and hopeful about the connections it can make across diverse groups of people,” Reverend Mindy Fugarino, Senior Pastor at IBCC, said.

The project will focus specifically on those within Historic Northeast Kansas City. Residents could be long-time housed residents, never (last five to 10 years) housed residents, homeless, or refugees and immigrants.

Each artist will be paid according to how many hours they spend, for up to five hours per project, at $250 per hour. Residents will also be paid this rate for the time spent with the artist; likely just one hour is necessary. Regarding the collaboration, Fugarino expressed, “My hope is that [residents] will feel empowered by it.”

Indoor space to work will be provided if needed, and unhoused and low income and housed residents will be given precedence for selection until more donations for the project are received.

The kinds of art could include photographic “self-portraits,” found-object story, painting or drawing, masks – what you want others to see versus what you see – spoken word, music or poetry.

The application must include art samples, a statement of your motivation to join the project, and what you want to share about your art and your background with art.

Artist applications are due June 4, 2023. Artists will be selected in early June, and projects should be completed by August 31. To find more information and submit an application, visit www.ibcckc.org/dignify-art-project.