Artists sought to contribute to Memphis' first comprehensive city plan

The UrbanArt Commission is seeking three local artists to collaborate in the comprehensive city planning process, Memphis 3.0.
 
Memphis 3.0 is a two-year process to create the city’s first strategic plan in 35 years. Set to be completed for Memphis' bicentennial year in 2019, the plan will chart progress for the city's growth in livability, sustainability and neighborhood development.

The UrbanArt Commission, in its collaboration with the city of Memphis, plans for the selected artists to facilitate neighborhood conversations by developing creative approaches to discussing connectivity, sustainability, livability and opportunity across the city. Artists will collaborate with the planning team to “amplify and diversify” voices that are working to shape the city’s future.

 “There are great examples across the country like in Minneapolis where artists are being engaged not to produce an object but to further a process and develop innovative approaches in cross-sector partnerships,” said UrbanArt executive director Lauren Kennedy.

Kennedy hopes the partnership will facilitate neighborhood conversations by developing creative approaches to discussing connectivity, sustainability, livability and opportunity across Memphis and get more local artists involved in social practice work.

In preparation for the beginning of the application period for artists that opens in February, UrbanArt Commission is hosting two training sessions with consultants from Intermedia Arts in Minneapolis. The first is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library and the second is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Orange Mound Gallery.
 
Artists must attend one of the information sessions, be living and working in Memphis and have attended at least one of the January information sessions in order to apply.

A $25,000 stipend will be paid to each of the three artists during their positions, which will span from August 2017 to October 2018. Artists with backgrounds in visual, performing, craft, design, video, multi-media, interdisciplinary and/or multidisciplinary arts are invited to apply.