Memphis International Airport | UrbanArt Commission
memphis international airport - concourse b gates | call to artists
Release Date: Monday, August 31, 2020
Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2020 at 11:59 pm
Eligibility: Any artist living and working in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Artists based in or connected to the Memphis metropolitan area will be given additional consideration and should explain their connection to the Memphis area (i.e. originally from, currently residing or has resided, educated in, etc.). Artists are invited to submit collaborative work. Gallerists may also apply.
background
UrbanArt Commission (UAC) works to create opportunities for artists and neighborhoods to connect and shape spaces through public art. Since 2002, UAC has managed the City of Memphis’s Percent-For-Art Program, which allocates funds annually to develop public art in connection to capital improvement projects. UAC also manages and is a leading partner on City-led initiatives such as Blight Out, Memphis 3.0, and the District Mural Program, and manages grant and privately-funded public art projects.
Memphis International Airport is being reimagined as the facility undergoes an important renovation. A dramatic enhancement of the B concourse is currently underway, and will be completed by late spring/early summer 2021. The renovated concourse B pays homage to architect Roy Harrover’s mid-century modern design, with sweeping vaulted ceilings and state-of-the-art furniture, along with updates like “smart” window glass that adjusts for sunlight, natural wood accent walls, and a contemporary color palette. This modernization will provide visitors and Memphians alike with an inviting experience, and a taste of what Memphis has to offer.
As part of the overall reimagining of the airport, $1.5 million has been allocated to produce new public art projects and acquiring artwork for display at key locations throughout the facility. These projects include a large suspended sculpture, a permanent exhibition of 2D work by artists, and three art glass installations.
site specifics
Throughout Concourse B, there will be 10 gates with wood-panelled gallery walls. Each wall is approximately 20’ wide, and will display work by multiple artists. The gallery walls can accommodate 2d and wall-bound 3d artworks up to 7’ high. The recommended minimum size for submitted artwork is 18” x 24”, excepting pieces with multiple sections (diptychs, etc.).
scope of work
Memphis International Airport seeks to purchase existing studio work by Memphis and Midsouth artists for permanent display in the gate area galleries in the renovated Concourse B. The selection committee is interested in building a collection that:
Includes a wide range of media (painting, photo, illustration, wall-bound sculpture, etc.) and artmaking practices (fine art, design, craft, new media).
Features work by locally and nationally recognized contemporary artists. Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are welcome to apply.
Represents the demographic diversity of the regional arts community.
Consists of artwork that is well-crafted, visually engaging, and thought-provoking.
Is appropriate for display in an all-ages public facility.
The committee will select artwork based on artistic merit, professional and community recognition, equity and inclusivity goals of the collection, and site-specific considerations.
Applicants should submit existing artwork that is available for purchase; the committee will not consider unfinished work or proposals. Work must be ready to install, framed (if applicable), and should require minimal maintenance.
UAC and the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority are committed to equity and inclusion in our work. People of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, differently-abled and neurodiverse persons, indigenous peoples, youth, seniors, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
selection committee
Darrell Thomas CEO, Thomas Consultants, Inc.; MSCAA Board of Commissioners
Pamela Clary Executive VP, ComCap Partners; MSCAA Board of Commissioners
Gregory Fletcher MSCAA Board of Commissioners
Richard Lou Professor and Chair of Fine Art, University of Memphis
Faith Morris Chief of Marketing & External Affairs, National Civil Rights Museum
Whitney Hardy Founder, 3RDSPACE
Maggie Russell Visual Artist
Lucy Woodson Founder, Worlds Away
Jim Keras Owner, Jim Keras Automotive; MSCAA Board of Commissioners
Brenda Duckett Community Leader
Metcalf Crump Owner & Architect, The Crump Firm
Brian Bullard Owner & Architect, UrbanARCH Associates
James Hay Director of Development, MSCAA
Glen Thomas Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, MSCAA
Scott Brockman President & CEO, MSCAA (non-voting)
Glen Thomas Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications, MSCAA
Scott Brockman President & CEO, MSCAA (non-voting)
application guidelines
To apply, click the Submit button at the bottom of this page, or visit urbanartcommission.submittable.com/submit
Clicking on the Submit button at the bottom of the page 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.
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. You will receive a confirmation email that confirms receipt of your full application.
Please submit the following materials:
Up to 5 images of work currently available for purchase, including title, date, medium, dimensions, and price.
The recommended minimum size for submitted artwork is 18” x 24”, excepting pieces with multiple sections. Pieces over 7’ tall cannot be displayed.
A brief cover letter or statement, introducing yourself, your work, and your involvement in the arts in Memphis or the tri-state region (not to exceed 1 page)
Résumé or CV (not to exceed 2 pages)
If you have difficulty accessing the website or require any other assistance with your submission, please contact Brett Hanover at brett@uacmem.org.
information sessions
UAC will host a virtual info session for artists interested in learning more about this project:
Wednesday, September 23, 5:30-7 PM
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsc-qqrDktG9ASqcWR0jXG6_5JXIOPT-z4
You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Artists may also schedule a virtual meeting with UAC staff to review their application and portfolio. Contact Brett Hanover at brett@uacmem.org to schedule a meeting.
disclaimers
Applicants will be notified as to the status of their application. Commissioning of artists by UAC and the pursuit of all UAC activities are implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.
UAC reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information from participating artists.
UAC reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work, any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project.
The staff of UAC will be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be at the discretion of UAC.
For more information about this project, please contact:
Brett Hanover | Project Manager
This Call to Artists is also available as a PDF. Download PDF
