Memphis
United States

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Memphis Convention Center - Suspended Sculpture

As a part of the Memphis Convention Center renovation, a $400,000 suspended sculpture project for the new main entrance to the convention center is open to artists currently living and working in the United States. The selection committee has reserved one of three finalist positions for a Memphis-based artist.

background

The Memphis Convention Center is being reimagined as the facility undergoes an important expansion and upgrade with modern enhancements. The dramatic renovation of the convention center is currently underway and will be complete by Fall 2020. Originally opened in 1974, the Memphis Convention Center sees approximately 500,000 visitors annually and has generated an economic impact of $73 million in the last 5 years. The adjoining Cannon Center for Performing Arts was opened in 2003. The renovations will create new meeting spaces, greater flexibility for room configuration, expanded visibility and connection to the Mississippi River and downtown skyline, natural light throughout the building, and more visible points of entry and wayfinding to enhance visitor experience for both Memphians and those traveling to our city.

The $200 million dollar project is more than an expansion and renovation. It’s a transformation of the building’s interior and exterior through which every square inch of the convention center will be touched by this project, bringing high end finishes and amenities. Through an extraordinary effort of long range planning with meeting planners and groups that utilize space in the building annually, the Memphis Convention Center is continuing to host events and open for business during the renovation timetable. Renovations are projected to be complete by Fall 2020 and are funded through the hotel/motel tax and Tourism Development Zone (TDZ) funds.

As part of the overall reimagining of the convention center, $1 million has been allocated to produce new site-specific public art projects at key locations throughout the facility, as well as ten spaces for rotating exhibitions from Memphis-based artists and arts organizations.
 

site specifics

The Memphis Convention Center is located in downtown Memphis at 255 N. Main St. along the Mississippi River. Following the expansion and renovation of the convention center, amenities will include a column-free 118,000 square food main exhibit hall, a new exterior concourse and pre-function space, 46 breakout rooms, and a 28,000 square foot ballroom for smaller events.
 

scope of work

UrbanArt Commission (UAC) is partnering with the City of Memphis and the Memphis Convention Center Board of Commissioners to produce a large-scale sculpture in the main atrium that welcomes visitors to the renovated facilities. The selection committee expresses an interest in a public art piece that will speak to one or more of the following themes (additional information will be provided to finalists invited to submit site-specific proposals):

  • Nassets of the area including the Mississippi River, Mississippi Flyway, and a dense tree canopy
  • Celebrate the rich history of music made in and inspired by Memphis
  • Honor the stories and experiences of the diverse communities and leaders in Memphis history, particularly indigenous and black communities
  • Explore the possibilities of Memphis as the city moves forward into our third century

 

The artist selection committee will select three finalists based on their applications, professional qualifications, ability to work within a budget, meet deadlines, and successful completion of previous public art projects. One of three finalist positions will be reserved for a Memphis-based artist. The commissioned artist/s will be selected based on the strength of their proposal following RFP invitation, and previous experience with the design of large-scale sculpture projects. Applicants are also expected to have the technical capabilities to design and install such projects, including providing maintenance instructions. The finished project should require little to no regular maintenance. Final artwork should complement the aesthetics of the site and the goals of the Memphis Convention Center renovations. The artist/s selected shall be expected to collaborate closely with site engineers, landscape architects, and any necessary party for the successful installation of the project, including the community. NOTE: Commissioned artists are permitted to work with outside contractors to fabricate the actual work of art.  

UAC and the City of Memphis are committed to equity and inclusion in our work. People of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, differently-abled and neurodiverse persons, indigenous peoples, youth, seniors, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Artists who have not received a public art commission previously are encouraged to consider the opportunity and to reach out to the UAC team in advance of submitting.