Program Description

The Neighborhood Art Initiative was launched in 2019 to help community organizations incorporate public art into their ongoing initiatives.

Neighborhood organizations and leaders (including homeowners associations, CDCs, community groups, non-profits, and arts organizations) were invited to submit an application for public art funds connected to an ongoing program or effort in their communities. This pilot program awarded four public art projects (totaling $120,000), which will be produced in partnership with UAC. In addition to funding the production and installation of the artwork, UAC will provide project management support throughout the process. 11 neighborhood groups responded to a request for proposals released in March 2019, and the four finalists were selected in July. Project plans are currently being developed with each neighborhood, and calls to artists are planned for release later this year. (Due to Covid-19 some project delays have occurred, we are working with the artists and community organizations to safely resume work as they see fit)

We are thrilled to be launching a second round of The Neighborhood Art Initiative as of Summer 2021. Project plans for this round are currently being developed with each neighborhood, with community information sessions and invitations for ideas currently being released.

The Neighborhood Art Initiative is made possible by generous support from the Assisi Foundation.

2019 Finalists

  • South Memphis

    • Seniors in the Cherokee Heights Civic Club will be creating five signs to mark the entrances of their historic South Memphis neighborhood. These permanent aluminum signs will carry the club’s motto, “We Care,” along with original designs relevant to the history of the community.

  • Binghampton

    • At the Carpenter Art Garden in Binghampton, the initiative will support a successful mural apprenticeship program in its second year. In this program, local artists are paired with neighborhood youth to design and install original murals. Participating youth receive a stipend for their work. Assisi funding through UAC will support community engagement, youth workshops, stipends, and the creation of two new murals.

  • Soulsville

    • The South Memphis Alliance, in partnership with the Dragonfly Collective, Play Where You Stay, and The Works CDC, is creating a new soccer complex and neighborhood gathering space in a vacant property in Soulsville. A call to artists will solicit ideas for functional art, such as signage, benches and outdoor furniture, mosaic walkways, and playful interactive sculptures. The selected design will help to welcome residents to the complex when it opens in 2020.

  • North Memphis

    • In North Memphis, the NAI will further the work of the HUG Park Friends, who are responsible for transforming Gooch Park into a safe, clean space for sporting events and neighborhood festivals. The organization will look for artists interested in creating a contemporary mural on the park’s pool building.

2021 Finalists