CITY STAGES: Artist-Designed Street Performance Zones

The City of Chattanooga's Public Art division is seeking artist applications for City Stages, a project designed to celebrate the performing arts and enhance Chattanooga's sidewalks with vibrant displays. Four designated performance zones will be visually marked through artist-designed, temporary sidewalk murals. Up to four artists will be selected, with each assigned one of the designated performance zones and receiving a $4,290 honorarium.

The TN Arts Commission awarded the City of Chattanooga a Creative Placemaking Grant for this project. Selected artists will create site-specific designs that invite public interaction, guide performers, and celebrate Chattanooga's musical and cultural identity. Designated locations include Renaissance Park (Northshore), Coolidge Park (Northshore), Miller Plaza (Downtown), and St. Elmo Avenue at the Incline Railway. The project builds on Chattanooga's longstanding tradition of street performance by creating formal, artist-designed performance spaces in key public areas.

Selected artists will design 2D asphalt art murals sized between 4'w x 4'd to 6'w x 6'd. Works must be original, durable, and designed for outdoor installation, withstanding weather and high foot traffic for up to 3 years. Materials must deteriorate completely or allow for removal after 3 years. Application requirements include 8-10 sample images of past work, current résumé (2 pages max), statement of interest (500 words max), and at least three professional references. Applications are due December 22, 2025, with artist selection in January 2026 and installation scheduled for March-May 2026.