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)

The first round of The Neighborhood Art Initiative was made possible by generous support from the Assisi Foundation.

Starting in FY’21 all NAI projects are funded by the City of Memphis and installed on City-Owned property.

2019 Finalists

  • South Memphis

  • 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.

  • North Memphis

2021 Finalists

2023 Finalists