Open Artist Calls
requests for qualifications & proposals
Learn how to apply, find open calls to artists & more.
Learn how to apply, find open calls to artists & more.
UAC and The City of Memphis, in partnership with The Heights CDC, are seeking an artist to create a gateway sculpture that speaks to the pride and history of the community, engages neighborhood youth, and pays tribute to The Heights diverse demographics.
Deadline: Monday, April 8, 2024 at 11:59pm
Budget: $100,000 (includes three finalist honoraria of $1,000 each)
Eligibility: Any artist living and working within the United States. Strong preference will be given to artists connected to Orange Mound and the City of Memphis. Artists are invited to submit collaborative work if desired, but may only submit one proposal per project opportunity. While there is no limit to the number of calls to which an artist may apply, UAC strongly encourages artists to consider both the time and scale of each call.
To apply to an open Request for Qualifications (RFQ) or Request for Proposals (RFP), click on the opportunity below that you are interested in to view more details.
Clicking on the Submit button will redirect you to our Submittable page, which contains all of our current open opportunities. Click the Submit button next to the opportunity that you wish to apply for, or if you are already within an opportunity, scroll down to the Create your account / Have an account? Sign in form.
If you already have a Submittable account, click the Have an account? Sign in tab to sign in to your account. If you don’t remember your password, use the Forgot? link on the login form.
If you don’t have a Submittable account, you must create one to apply. Create your free account by filling out the Create your account form. Fill in all information and click the Create Account and Continue button to continue with the submission process.
From there, you will be able to complete and submit your application. You can now use this account login when submitting to all future UAC opportunities, and any opportunities posted on Submittable by other organizations.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email that confirms receipt of your full application. If you do not receive this email or encounter any technical difficulties, please email us at info@uacmem.org or call at 901.454.0474.
UAC Basic Info Zine (pdf) - Download an overview of UAC’s mission and the public art process.
This Artists Handbook covers the process of applying for public art projects in Memphis, as well as the design and fabrication process if you are selected for a project commission. UAC strongly advises prospective artists to attend an Artist Info Session and/or reach out to the UAC team to learn more about specific opportunities and how to apply. Questions may be emailed to info@uacmem.org.
For the guidelines structuring the City of Memphis Public Art Program, please download the PDF provided.
If you are interested in participating on a project Selection Committee, please send your current resume with contact information and a statement of interest no longer than 3 paragraphs in length to: info@uacmem.org. Please describe your current community affiliations including home and/or business address, background with community development, education, public art, or any other activities you believe will contribute to the positive outcome of our projects.
Deadline: Monday, August 14th, 2023, 11:59pm
Project Budget: $98,925 (includes three finalist honoraria of $1,000 each)
Eligibility: Any artist living and working within the United States. Artists are invited to submit collaborative work if desired, but may only submit one proposal per project opportunity. While there is no limit to the number of calls to which an artist may apply, UAC strongly encourages artists to consider both the time and scale of each call.
Deadline: Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 11:59 pm
Budget: Works between $500 and $5,000
Eligibility: Any artist living and working within the Memphis metropolitan area. Artists may submit as a team if desirable. *Artists selected from the 2019 or 2020 Movable Collection are not eligible for this year's application process.
Neighborhood Art Initiative (NAI) is a neighborhood-led collaborative program for residents, partners, organizers, and artists to shape the creation of public art in their communities and shared spaces. NAI supports neighborhood engagement and social connections throughout Memphis, as well as experiences with public art.
Application open to: Any neighborhood organizations/associations, CDCs, nonprofits and community leaders or persons with exemplary neighborhood pride - located within the Memphis metropolitan, statistical area.
Application closes on: Monday, October 30th, 11:59 p.m.
Release Date: Thursday, October 19, 2023
Budget: $15,000 total (including three finalist design honoraria of $500)
Deadline: Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 11:59pm
Eligibility: Any artist living and working within the Memphis metropolitan area. Artists are invited to submit collaborative work if desired but may only submit one proposal per project opportunity. While there is no limit to the number of calls an artist may apply to at once, UAC strongly encourages artists to consider both the time and scale of each call.
UAC and The City of Memphis, in partnership with the Hospitality Hub, are seeking an artist to create Trauma-Informed works of art that will live in the main staircase, family, and dining room areas of their brand new "Hub Hotel" a brand new barrier-free shelter for women.
Deadline: Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 11:59pm
Eligibility: Any artist living and working within the Memphis metropolitan area. Artists are invited to submit collaborative work if desired, but may only submit one proposal per project opportunity. While there is no limit to the number of calls an artist may apply to at once, UAC strongly encourages artists to consider both the time and scale of each call.
UAC and The City of Memphis, in partnership with the Hospitality Hub, are seeking an artist to create Trauma-Informed works of art that will live in the main staircase, family, and dining room areas of their brand new "Hub Hotel" a brand new barrier-free shelter for women.
Deadline: Wednesday, September 14, 2022, 11:59pm
Eligibility: Any artist living and working within the Memphis metropolitan area. Artists are invited to submit collaborative work if desired, but may only submit one proposal per project opportunity. While there is no limit to the number of calls an artist may apply to at once, UAC strongly encourages artists to consider both the time and scale of each call.