MEMPHIS, TN - July 3, 2019
The UrbanArt Commission (UAC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Memphis Convention Center Board of Commissioners and City of Memphis to develop new public art as part of the$200M convention center renovation project.
Four new permanent artworks will be commissioned, as well as ten spaces identified within the facility to house exhibitions from Memphis-based artists and arts organizations rotating on an annual basis.
The permanent public art projects and rotating exhibitions program will create a welcoming and dynamic experience for visitors to the center and celebrate the rich history and artistic communities of Memphis.
Calls to Artists for the four site-specific commissions are now open on UAC’s website and will close Wednesday, August 14 at midnight. The projects include:
Renovated Memphis Convention Center, LRK
• $400,000 suspended sculpture project for the new main entrance to the convention center on N. Main St. The project is open to artists currently living and working in the United States. The selection committee has reserved one of three finalist positions for a Memphis-based artist.
• $90,000 mural project along the beautifully reimagined Front St. corridor between the main facility and the West Meeting Rooms. The project is open only to artists currently living and working in Memphis, TN.
Main Atrium Memphis Convention Center, LRK
• $55,000 mural project at the redeveloped entrance to the convention center from the parking garage. The project is open only to artists currently living and working in Memphis, TN.
• $50,000 interior project inside the new Front St. entrance to the West Meeting Rooms. The project is open only to artists currently living and working in Memphis, TN.
Following the close of the Calls to Artists on August 14th, the selection committee will review submissions and invite finalists to submit site-specific proposals for each project opportunity. Finalists will receive an honorarium for their designs based on the total project budget. UAC will host two information sessions to share more about all four project opportunities and support interested artists in putting together their application materials.
Info Sessions
General Info Session: Tuesday, July 23 from 5:30 – 7 pm
Workshop One-on-One: Wednesday, August 7 from 3 – 7 pm
Please contact A.M. O’Malley- Miller via email at am@uacmem.org for more information about the information sessions and to reserve time with one of the UAC team to discuss the projects in greater detail.
The selection committee for all four projects includes Doug McGowen, Chief Operating Officer, City of Memphis and MCC Board of Commissioners; Nicole Seltzer, Director of Convention Sales; Thomas Midgley, MCC Board of Commissioners; Frank Ricks, Principal, LRK Inc.; Gretchen Wollert McLennon, Consultant, DI Studios; Rachel Knox, Program Officer, Hyde Family Foundations; Lani Glancy, Vice President, AutoZone and Chairman Memphis Tourism Board of Directors; Sally Pace, CEO, Connect Healthcare Collaboration and Vice Chairman, Memphis Tourism Board of Directors; Tom Marshall, Principal, O.T. Marshall and MFA Partners (non-voting).
If you would like more information about this partnership or the open Calls to Artists, please contact Ebony Archie at 901.290.0955 or ebony@uacmem.org, or for more information about the convention center renovation, please contact Kevin Kern at 901.543.5320 or kevinkern@memphistravel.com.
About UrbanArt Commission UAC is a Memphis-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for artists and neighborhoods to connect and shape spaces through public art. UAC’s vision is for the arts to be integral to a thriving and equitable Memphis. With 100+ public art projects throughout the city, UAC aims to increase the density and impact of public art in neighborhoods across Memphis, while support new media and methods for public art. To stay up-to-date on all new projects and existing work in the city, go to uacmem.org.
About the Memphis Convention Center Renovation When complete by Fall of 2020, the Memphis Convention Center renovation will feature enhancements including a grand new entrance, high-end finishes and floor- to-ceiling windows that treat visitors to natural light and stunning river views. Other features will include a column free 118,000-square-foot main exhibit hall, a new exterior concourse and pre-function space, 46 breakout rooms, a secondary flex space that easily converts to a 67,500-square-foot ballroom, the largest in the region, and a 28,000-square foot ballroom to host smaller events. The renovation will also include public art, digital wayfinding, and additional loading docks for easier load in and load out. This game changing project is being funded through the hotel/motel tax and Tourism Development Zone (TDZ) funds. The Memphis Convention Center and the adjoining Cannon Center will continue to host events and be open for business during the renovation.
