Shelby Canopy: Our Shared Connection - Call for Artists

The Germantown Public Art program invites artists living within 350 miles of the Memphis metro area to participate in an open call for artists. One artist or artist team will be selected to design and create a temporary artwork, happening, or intervention that raises awareness of the importance of protecting the region's tree canopy and connection to other regional natural resources.

The temporary artwork will be installed along the western edge of the Germantown Greenway near the border of Germantown and Memphis, part of Shelby County's Wolf River Greenway trail system. The artwork should be created from sustainably sourced materials, installed without detrimental impact to the site, and designed to withstand weather conditions for 5-6 months (Fall-Spring). Artwork must not require electricity and should thematically focus on humans' connection to natural resources, watersheds, and environmental stewardship. Eligible formats include art structures, assemblage, conceptual installations, ecological art, ephemeral displays, digital design, kinetic sculptures, multimedia installations, murals, and sculptures.

Selected artist(s) will receive a $12,000 project budget plus a $1,200 travel/lodging/meals stipend. The budget covers community engagement costs, artist fees, supplies, materials, and fabrication. Selected artists must meet with project partners during ideation, collaborate with 3-4 schools or community organizations across Shelby County, and engage diverse communities through workshops, events, presentations, or participatory components. Artist notification is scheduled for the week of April 17, 2023, with installation occurring November 1-18, 2023, and de-installation in Spring 2024. Applicants must submit a letter of interest (2 pages max), artist statement and bio (1 page max), resume/CV, and 10 work samples (photos, video, or audio from the past 8 years). Eligibility requires artists to be at least 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the United States, and have at least three years of professional artistic practice with demonstrated experience in design.