Signs of Unity: Uptown Flag Project

DESIGN-ONLY CALL TO ARTISTS 

Design Stipend: $4,000

Finalist Honorarium: $500 (up to 3 finalists)

Eligibility: Artists living and working in the Memphis metropolitan area (priority given to artists with ties to Uptown/Greenlaw/North Memphis)

BACKGROUND

Since 1983, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis has worked to expand access to affordable homeownership across Memphis and Shelby County. Through new home construction, critical repairs, and neighborhood revitalization efforts, Habitat continues to invest in long-term stability and community wellbeing.

As part of its ongoing neighborhood engagement, Habitat is partnering with UrbanArt Commission (UAC) to support a community-based public art initiative in the Uptown neighborhood.

Uptown—also known historically as Greenlaw—is one of Memphis’ oldest neighborhoods. Since the mid-1800s, it has been shaped by waves of cultural, economic, and social change. From a hub of immigrant-owned businesses to a center of Black leadership and community resilience, Uptown reflects the evolving story of Memphis itself. Today, it remains a place of strong identity, pride, and continued reinvestment.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Project Title: Signs of Unity: Uptown Flag Project

UrbanArt Commission, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, seeks to commission one artist or artist team to develop a design for a series of garden flags that will serve as visual markers of identity, belonging, and connection throughout the Uptown neighborhood.

This is a design-only call. The selected artist will create the final design, while fabrication and distribution will be managed by the project team.

The final flags will be distributed to residents through community events and neighborhood association meetings, creating a visible network of shared identity across Uptown.

SCOPE OF WORK

The selected artist will:

• Develop a final, production-ready design for garden flags
• Provide color specifications and digital files suitable for fabrication
• Create a design that:
  • Reflects shared identity, history, and future aspirations of Uptown
  • Serves as a recognizable and repeatable visual marker
  • Is accessible, legible, and scalable across multiple placements
• Submit a brief narrative describing:
  • Concept and inspiration
  • Connection to neighborhood identity
  • Any community-informed elements (if applicable)

Note: UAC and Habitat will coordinate fabrication, installation, and distribution.

ARTISTIC GOALS

The selection committee is interested in proposals that:

• Reflect community pride, connection, and belonging
• Incorporate place-based storytelling tied to Uptown/Greenlaw
• Balance visual simplicity with strong identity (important for repetition across many homes)
• Feel welcoming, inclusive, and representative of a multi-generational community
• Can function both as individual artwork and as a collective visual system across the neighborhood

SELECTION PROCESS

UAC will convene a selection committee that may include:

• Community stakeholders
• Habitat for Humanity representatives
• Local artists or arts professionals
• Neighborhood leadership

The committee will select up to three finalists based on qualifications and past work.

Finalists will:

• Develop a concept proposal/mockup
• Present their concept (virtually or in person)
• Receive a $500 honorarium

One artist/team will be selected for the final commission.

DESIGN FEES

• Final commissioned artist: $4,000
• Finalists (up to 3): $500 each

PROJECT TIMELINE 

• Deadline to Apply: April 14, 2026
• Finalists Notified: April 17, 2026

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Letter of interest (including conceptual approach—no final designs at this stage)
• Up to 20 images of past work (with descriptions)
• Resume/CV (max 2 pages)
• Three professional references

Applications must be submitted via Submittable

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (OPTIONAL BUT ENCOURAGED)

Artists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Uptown community by:

• Attending local meetings (e.g., Uptown Joint Agency meetings)
• Reviewing neighborhood planning materials
• Visiting the area and observing existing visual identity and infrastructure

EQUITY & INCLUSION

UrbanArt Commission is committed to supporting a diverse range of artists. Artists who have not previously completed public art projects are strongly encouraged to apply.

DISCLAIMERS

UAC reserves the right to:

• Modify or cancel this call
• Request additional information
• Reject any or all applications
• Make final determinations in the best interest of the project

All communication between applicants and selection panel members must be facilitated through UAC staff.