The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art's grassy lawn has hosted many things through the decades. Picnics, puppet shows, soccer games, wedding photos, badminton tournaments and tai chi, to name a few.
Coming in late spring of 2018: Nine holes of mini-golf.
And here's what you really need to know: "Each hole must be designed to withstand direct exposure to the elements as well as an enthusiastic, club-wielding public of all ages."
In a call for design proposals, The Nelson-Atkins unveils an idea to launch an "artist-designed mini-golf course inspired by the museum's collection on the lawn of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park."
Casey Claps, the museum's manager of strategic initiatives, describes it as an "experiment."
Artists are eligible to submit entries, as well as designers, architects, engineers, and landscape architects. Furniture designers and makers are also in the running.
According to the Nelson, the proposal should reference the museum's collections or its architecture. The design should be durable, safe for all ages, include an "appropriate balance between challenge and fun," and original.
No electrical power will be provided; designers are encouraged to find other ways to make it interactive, such as a "crank for a windmill." Hazardous or fragile materials will not be used. Space limitations require each green not to exceed 300 square feet. But "undulating greens will be accepted."
Each winning team or individual will receive a $500 stipend for the design, as well as a free pass for "unlimited mini-golf for the summer season."
Submissions are due on November 30.
According to Claps, the museum will know by early December, once they've collected the submissions, "if we're good to go."
Laura Spencer is an arts reporter at KCUR 89.3. You can reach her on Twitter @lauraspencer.
