Calling all ‘heartists’: Parade of Hearts opens submissions for 2026 series

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of the iconic Parade of Hearts, your time is now. The new Kansas City-area tradition is looking for artists to fill its series, just in time for FIFA 2026.

The 2026 call for artists opened at 9 a.m. on June 9, 2025, and closes at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. The qualifications are simple: artists must have been raised in and/or currently live in the Kansas City region.

A jury will select 150 designs based on criteria including originality, visual impact, regional storytelling and alignment with Parade of Hearts values.

“The final designs will go beyond aesthetics,” said Jenn Nussbeck, Parade of Hearts Executive Director. “They become expressions of our collective story. It’s our moment to show the world who has the biggest hearts on the planet.”

In previous years, the sculpture template was solid and heart-shaped with a “KC” indentation.

The new sculpture is slightly larger, round, and has a heart-shaped cutout in the middle. Artists are allowed to put materials in the cutout, but must leave a minimum of 25 percent unfilled “to preserve its interactive and symbolic intent.”

Also new to the 2026 series, artists have a $2,500 stipend to complete their projects, higher than previous years’ stipends.

After the artists are chosen in October 2025, they have until approximately March 2026 to add the finishing details. More information will be released concerning the public unveiling.

“Through community pride, cultural richness, and shared purpose, Parade of Hearts unites cities and counties in a powerful artistic experience that celebrates unity, diversity, and the unmatched generosity of the heartland,” said Nussbeck.

For more information on the submission process, visit the Parade of Hearts website.

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