Program Description
The UrbanArt Commission and the City of Memphis launched the second iteration of the District Mural Training Program in 2018 to provide mural training and professional development to seven Memphis-based artists. The program culminates in each artist creating their own $30,000 mural project in each of the seven Council districts. A selection committee consisting of past DMP participants Jamond Bullock and Jason Miller, Claire Brulatour of Young Arts Patrons, Britney Thornton of JUICE Orange Mound, Tonya Dyson of Community Lift, and Dale Harris of Self+Tucker architects selected seven artists from a pool of over 40 applicants.
Each artist was paired with a site across the city, such as a community center, park, or public facility. Throughout the design process, the artists hosted open discussions with neighborhood residents in an effort to create murals that were responsive to the community’s hopes and concerns. The seven artists also visited Mural Arts Philadelphia, the largest public art program in the United States. There, the artists met with muralists and community organizers, and participated in workshops covering topics including neighborhood engagement and mural design. Installation of the seven murals is scheduled for completion in late 2019.
