Memphis UrbanArt Commission Artist Calls
Memphis is seeking artists of any age for public art projects including murals, crosswalks, and sculptures. Project budgets range from $4,000 to $90,500.
The City of Memphis' UrbanArt Commission, managed by UrbanArt, is actively recruiting artists for multiple public art projects across Memphis neighborhoods. These opportunities are part of the city's percent-for-art program and include greenline murals, crosswalks, neighborhood-sign sculptures, and neighborhood markers.
Currently open calls include:
- Sculpture for Peabody Avenue and East Street
- Mural artist for the Bearwater Greenline
- Design-only call for Raleigh neighborhood markers
- Crosswalk designs surrounding Downtown Elementary School (closed Nov. 3)
- Crosswalk designs on Vance Avenue near Off the Walls Arts (closed Nov. 3)
Projects span neighborhoods from Bearwater in North Memphis to Peabody-Vance in the Medical District and Raleigh. Project budgets range from $4,000 design stipends up to $90,500, with finalists receiving $500-$1,000 honorariums each.
UrbanArt welcomes artists of any age and background, including architects, graphic designers, and non-traditional artists. Design-only calls accommodate those using modern technology like 3D printers and fabricators.
The selection process uses Request for Qualifications (RFQ), not proposals. Artists submit applications without required design proposals—only finalists submit designs. Selection committees include business owners, neighborhood residents, city staff, and UrbanArt representatives (non-voting).
Artist info sessions are held in person and via Zoom. The UrbanArt office offers guidance during office hours to help artists understand application requirements and community needs for each project.