Commission of Murals for Memphis Music Initiative/Memphis Equity Through Arts
CALL TO ARTISTS
Request for Proposal
Deadline: February 15, 2019
Eligibility: Artist or artist teams, established or new to the field, living or working in the greater Memphis region. Artists of color are strongly encouraged to apply, but all submissions will be considered.
Budget: $3000 for two (2) interior Wall Murals (9’w x up to 16”h)
MMI/META is a 501(c)3 which invests in youth development through transformative music engagement, creating equitable opportunities for black and brown youth in Memphis. We invest in two ways: through direct programs that connect youth to high quality in-school, after-school and summertime opportunities, and by providing funding and resources to support organizations working with young people.
Memphis Music Initiative is seeking to purchase original artwork rooted in the imagery of Memphis, evoking a spirit of artistry and inspiring the future of art in Memphis. In line with our mission to engage black and brown youth through quality music instruction, funds have been earmarked to enhance the Memphis Music Initiative/Memphis Equity Through Arts offices with the work of one or two Memphis artist/s or artist team/s – two (2) original wall murals will be commissioned.
The goal of this project is to create a welcoming environment for youth, educators, non-profit partners, and visitors while enhancing the Old Firehouse #3 at 198 Dr. M.L. King Jr Ave. This 10,500 sq. ft building was built in 1924 and is on the corner of B.B. King and MLK, the intersection of Memphis music and social activism. It was decommissioned as a fire station in 1974. Since then it has served as a recording studio, private residence and pop-up beer garden. The site was renovated in early 2018 to be a light and airy, contemporary office. It has been decorated with black and white photographs on canvas which feature the people and programs served by MMI. Visits to see the MMI/META office site can be scheduled by calling Lucie Thompson at (901) 410-4111.
Types of Work
Purchase two (2) interior wall murals to be located on either side of the freestanding wall between the downstairs work station and the door leading to the parking lot. The mural should be low maintenance and appropriate for locations accessible to the public.
-- Purchase price will range up to $3000
-- No spray paint.
-- The freestanding wall is 9’w x 16’h. The artist can decide whether the painting will go all the way to the ceiling.
-- Pieces should be vibrant and colorful.
-- One artist/artist team may be hired for each of the two murals or one artist/artist team may be hired to do both murals.
Projected Timeline
Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Release Call for Entries
Friday, February 15, 2019 Call for Entries Deadline
Friday, March 1, 2019 Artist notifications
How to Apply
Artist or artist teams, established or new to the field, and living or working in Memphis, are encouraged to apply. Artists of color are strongly encouraged to apply, but all submissions will be considered.
Submit a zipped file, Google Drive or Dropbox link of complete applicant's materials to FirehouseArt@memphisismusic.org.
Please upload the following materials for the MMI/META project:
- Project proposal and statement of interest, including description, size, material, cost, timeline and any other relevant project information (limit to 600 words)
- Resume, not to exceed 2 pages including name, full address, phone, email and website if applicable.
- Between 3 and 10 high res images of 2D artworks that are indicative of the proposed style and media (.pdf, .jpg)
- Annotated list of submitted art to include description, material, location, budget, client or commissioning organization and any other relevant project information.
- List of three professional references, including current phone and email.
Selection Committee
Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee, comprised of five MMI/META staff members: Brittney Boyd Bullock, Kiesha Davis, Amber Hamilton, Johnny Kroeze and Lucie Thompson.
Questions can be directed to Lucie Thompson, Manager, Finance and Operations,
(901) 410-4111 / lucie@memphisismusic.org.
Disclaimers
Commissioning of artists by MMI/META and the pursuit of all MMI/META activities are implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.
MMI/META reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information from participating artists.
MMI/META reserves the right to accept or reject, at any time prior to the commissioning of a work any or all proposals when the acceptance, rejection, waiver or advertisement would be in the best interest of the project.
Discussion regarding these projects by and between any applicant and any member of a selection panel outside of regularly scheduled meetings during the selection process may be grounds for the disqualification of the applicant. Such determination shall be at the discretion of the selection committee.