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Creating community through art, one heart at a time and
focusing on some of the industries in our area that suffered most during the pandemic.
As the community navigated its way through the pandemic, numerous people and industries felt the brunt of COVID’s blow — healthcare, the arts, tourism, childhood education, small and minority-owned businesses and many more. Understanding that something needed to be done to help support these causes, leaders within the Kansas City community came together and founded the Parade of Hearts with that specific goal in mind.
The Parade of Hearts is uniquely representative of and dedicated to Kansas City’s diverse and eclectic community. The canvas is a very recognizable local symbol — the KC Heart. Artists showcased their artistic abilities and passions around the betterment of Kansas City with each installation, embodying a uniquely different viewpoint and perspective, all with the goal of bolstering the city and its people.
Hundreds of local artists submitted concepts for how they’d bring their unique vision to life on a five-foot-tall, heart-shaped canvas. The result? 156 designs by 124 artists were selected, and that’s when their incredible work began. Those chosen to showcase their talents across the metro were provided a stipend and a timeline — the public unveiling would occur at the beginning of March, with each heart finding its temporary home in time for Spring.
Then, once the community had a chance to enjoy the art around town, each installation would be auctioned off, with proceeds going to four different local organizations — The University of Kansas Health System, Mid-America Regional Council, AltCap and Visit KC Foundation.
156
Total hearts displayed around the Kansas City metropolitan
124
Artists who contributed artwork for the exhibition
The amount of talent and creativity in Kansas City is surreal but what’s more inspiring is its ability to band together, as one community, around a common cause. That’s what the Parade of Hearts is truly about — supporting one another through the toughest of times, sticking up for those who put their health on the line for the greater good, and helping those workers and communities who were affected so deeply.
5' Tall
Height of each fiberglass heart
3 Months
Duration the Parade of Hearts was publicly exhibited in Kansas City
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Chad Hutson
Chief Strategy Officer
Chad Hutson has forged a notable career leading teams of creative & technology professionals, building the trust of clients & partners, and helping to transform physical spaces into exceptional experiences for some of the most... more about Chad Hutson
