Deadline: 5-Jan-21
The UrbanArt Commission (UAC) is seeking applications for its Neighborhood Art Initiative (NAI) which is a collaborative program for neighborhood residents, partners, organizers and artists to shape the creation of public art in their communities and shared spaces, while supporting healthy social connection and overall quality of life throughout Memphis.
NAI was initially launched in 2019 with generous support from the Assisi Foundation. UAC believes that creative expression has the power to unlock opportunity and transform communities, and NAI enables community organizations and leaders to incorporate public art into their ongoing initiatives and neighborhood-level work.
Scope of Work
UAC and the NAI selection committee express an interest in applicants whose goals are to enrich public spaces by highlighting neighborhood identity and history while addressing the objectives of the neighborhoods’ residents. This application is open to:
- Neighborhood-invested groups/associations, Community Development Corporations (CDCs), non-profits, grassroots constituent-led organizations that are using direct-action, community organizing and base-building strategies to accomplish their goals and arts organizations.
- Neighborhood-led programs/initiatives (community garden, after school program, etc.)
- Individual applicants who have identified project partners at the time of application within the neighborhood.
Funding Information
- $253,000 allocated for program launch – initial round will support three (3) selected projects, with project amounts varying based on factors such as design and location.
Project Expectations
- Neighborhoods will be selected based on the expressed support of their partners and community members, the strength of their application and the potential added value of public art to the identity of the neighborhood. Selected applicants will work closely with UAC to develop these projects and support neighborhood organizing and engagement throughout the public art process.
- All NAI projects funded by the City of Memphis must be installed on City-owned property. Applicants may propose a site in their neighborhood or work with UAC to find an appropriate site following the acceptance of their application.
- The selected community group shall be expected to participate in a committee that will work closely with a selected community organizer as well as a UAC project manager on all phases of the project.
- Community Organizer and UAC Staff will support in the following ways:
- Host public art workshops and meetings for the selected neighborhoods
- Provide guidance to the community group in selecting the artwork, artist, and site
- Organize an artist selection process (announce a competition, manage submissions, etc.) as needed
- Manage the public art project budget as approved by PAOC including costs associated with administrative materials, site preparation, the final artwork, and maintenance
Eligibility Criteria
- Any neighborhood organizations/associations, CDCs, nonprofits and community leaders or persons with exemplary neighborhood pride – located within the Memphis metropolitan, statistical area.
For more information, visit https://uacmem.org/opportunities/nai2020