Kansas City International Airport’s Artwork Destroyed
An expensive and beautiful art installation by artist Nick Cave, titled, ‘The Air Up There,’ featuring nearly 3,000 metal wind spinners in the check-in hall of Kansas City International Airport is currently being evaluated for safety standards following the fall of a wind spinner. On October 6, 2024, the airport staff took down the artwork.
Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the metal did not strike anyone, as reported by city spokeswoman Sherae Honeycutt in an emailed statement.
What is Happening with The Air Up There
The thousands of strands from the installation can still be seen hanging from the ceiling in the check-in area, but all the metal wind spinners have been removed. The move came after consultations with the artist, the aviation department’s leadership, and the city manager’s office, the city’s Municipal Art Commission approved the project’s removal. At present, the city’s website indicates that the project is “removed for maintenance.”
Currently, the commission and the Kansas City International Airport Aviation Department are awaiting a verdict from a structural engineer regarding the safety of rehanging the project in the primary check-in hall of Kansas City’s new $1.5 billion terminal. However, it must also be approved by a project engineer and architect.
Jazzlyn Johnson on the Kansas City International Airport Debacle
The mayor’s spokeswoman Jazzlyn Johnson said, via an email, “Mayor Lucas is aware of the removal of the artwork at the Kansas City International Airport and appreciates the quick work of Aviation Department staff to work proactively to protect the traveling public and preserve a valued public art installation. He looks forward to the outcome of the study and ensuring the airport terminal remains a vibrant space showcasing local artists.”
The Original Installation of The Air Up There
The Air Up There stretches nearly 500 feet in length, with wind spinners illustrating icons representative of the Kansas City area, including fountains, native wildlife, and symbols of love and equality, all inspired by the enchantment of flight. The project was commissioned in 2022 and installed in 2023. The RFQ allocated a budget of $1,000,000 for the project, which encompassed installation costs. The ceiling art project represented 17% of the overall $5.65 million budget designated for new art at the terminal.
Image Courtesy – Kansas City Art Institute
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