Dave Wells Community Center | REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Release Date: Wednesday, Sept 30th, 2026
Budget: $25,000 (three finalist honoraria of $500 each)
Deadline: Wednesday, Nov 4th , 2026 at 11:59 pm
Eligibility: Any artist living and working within the Memphis metropolitan area. Artists may submit only one proposal per project opportunity, but are invited to submit as a team if desired.
BACKGROUND :
For generations, the Dave Wells Community Center has been a gathering place for North Memphis, hosting local athletic events—including North Memphis Golden Gloves boxing weigh-ins and tournaments—as early as 1951. The facility also holds a unique place in Memphis pop-culture history. On December 27, 1956, Elvis Presley famously spent an afternoon at the center playing touch football with friends, including his longtime companion Red West, and local fans, continuing the game until dark.
Today, the Dave Wells Community Center remains a cornerstone of the North Memphis community, serving as a gathering place for community meetings, youth activities, and neighborhood events.
SITE SPECIFICS:
Currently, there are 27 square panels located on the exterior of the building, each measuring approximately 4 feet by 4 feet. The panels are positioned above eye level and wrap around the entirety of the facility.
The Selection Committee is interested in artwork that enhances and better integrates these existing architectural features with the overall exterior of the building. Artists are encouraged to consider durable, outdoor-appropriate materials, such as sheet metal or other weather-resistant media, that can be painted, cut, shaped, or otherwise fabricated to fit within the existing 4-by-4-foot spaces and securely attached to the building.
Proposed artwork should thoughtfully respond to the architecture and surrounding environment while creating a cohesive visual experience across all 27 panels. Artists may consider developing a unified design, a series of related works, or individual elements that collectively contribute to the overall aesthetic of the facility.
SCOPE OF WORK:
UrbanArt Commission (UAC) is partnering with The City of Memphis and Division of Park Services seeking an artist to enhance the exterior of the Dave Wells community center. They are looking for
1. A Vibrant Color Palette — “Make the Building Feel Alive”
We want colors that immediately communicate joy, energy, youth, and possibility. Incorporate Memphis Parks green as an anchor, complemented by gold/yellow, orange, blue, and warm red tones. The colors should work with—not compete against—the historic brick exterior.
2. Children and Families at the Center of the Story
The artwork should visibly represent the people who use Dave Wells: children playing, families gathering, young people learning, seniors connecting, and neighbors coming together. We want people to see themselves in the building before they even walk through the doors. Historical landmarks: FIRESTONE,MEMPHISTOAST,BONDSKIDS,ANNE P.PRODUCTIONS,KLONDIKE/SMOKEYCITY,NEWCHICAGO,BLUFFCITY CLASSIC,THE VILLAGE.
3. North Memphis & Memphis Culture Should Be Visible
The artwork should tell a story that feels authentically Memphis and North Memphis—our music, creativity, resilience, neighborhoods, history, and cultural influence. Rather than generic public art, we want something that makes people say, “This belongs here.” DAVE WELLS 1937, GUTHRIE ELEM.1915, HUMES MIDDLE 1925, MANASSAS HIGH 1899, CALDWELL ELEM 1950
4. A Message of Potential, Growth & Possibility
The artwork should communicate that Dave Wells is more than a recreation center—it is a place where potential is protected and people can become more than they imagined. Visual themes could include growth, movement, books/education, sports, creativity, pathways, stars, hands, or other imagery representing “Where I am” → “Where I can go.”
5. A Welcoming Landmark for the Community
We want the exterior to become a visual landmark for North Memphis—something recognizable from the street and inviting enough to make a child say, “I want to go in there.” The 27 artwork spaces should feel connected as one larger story rather than 27 unrelated pieces. The final design should create unity, pride, movement, and a sense of belonging. ELVIS PRESLEY,ISAAC HAYES, MISS GIRLIE'S RESTAURANT
The selection committee will select three finalists for the installation based on their portfolio, application materials, professional qualifications, and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines. The commissioned artist will be selected based on the strength of their proposals, which will be presented to the selection committee.
UAC is committed to equity and inclusion in our work, both in the artists and organizations supported through the development of public art. UAC is especially interested in applications from artists who have not previously received public art commissions. People of color, differently-abled persons, indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+, seniors, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
( Examples of the artwork currently on the facility.
SELECTION COMMITTEE
Toya Adams-Young-Director
Billy Richmond- Director
Gary Greer- Assistant Director
Roosevelt Bonds- Community Partner
Chiqua Peete- Community Partner
Oscar Love - Community Partner
PROJECT TIMELINE
Wednesday, Sept 30th, 2026 RFQ released
Wednesday, Oct 14th, 2026 UAC Information Session
Wednesday, Nov 4th , 2026 RFQ deadline
Friday, Nov 6th, 2026 Notify finalists of RFP invitation
Wednesday Dec 2nd, 2026 RFP deadline
Fall 2027 Completion celebration
INFORMATION SESSIONS
UAC will host an information session for interested artists on Wednesday, Oct 14th, 2026 at 5:30 pm. The session will be recorded and a link made available to applicants who are unable to attend during that time. Interested artists who have not completed a public art project previously or not completed a mural at this scale are strongly encouraged to reach out to the UAC team in advance of submitting their application. Artists may also schedule a meeting with UAC staff to review their application and portfolio. Appointments are available until 1 week prior to the close of the call to artists. See project contact information below.
FINALIST REQUIREMENTS
Each of the three finalists will be asked to prepare a schematic design or mockup, followed by a presentation to the selection committee. Each finalist will receive a $500 honorarium for an original design developed specifically for the site.
Fabrication Budget:
Payments to be broken down and disbursed when selected artist reaches provided milestones
Total project budget is $25,000, including artist honoraria - up to three finalists will receive a $500 honorarium for a site-specific proposal - and consulting fees. Design budget $5,875.00 ; Fabrication budget $17,625.00
GUIDELINES
Please submit the following materials online:
- Completed application form
- A typed letter explaining your interest in the project and your general approach/concept to its design and production. Please do not submit design proposals at this point.
- Up to 20 images of past work including title of work, date, medium, budget and project partners, if any.
- Résumé or CV, not to exceed 2 pages.
- List of three professional references, including current phone and email.
For more information about this project, please contact:
Travis Washington| Program Manager
901.221.4077 | travis@uacmem.org
This RFQ can be found on www.uacmem.org/calls-to-artists
DISCLAIMERS
Applicants will be notified as to the status of their application. Commissioning of artists by UAC and the pursuit of all UAC activities are implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability or age.
UAC reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information from participating artists.
UAC 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.
The staff of UAC will be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. 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 UAC.
UAC EXHIBITION SPACE | CALL TO ARTISTS
Release Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Deadline: Monday, November 23, 2026
Eligibility: Any artists living and working within the Memphis metropolitan area. Artists are invited to submit collaborative work if desired, but may only submit one proposal per project opportunity. While there is no limit to the number of calls an artist may apply to at once, UAC strongly encourages artists to consider both the time and scale of each call.
BACKGROUND
About UAC:
The UrbanArt Commission (UAC) works to create opportunities for artists and neighborhoods to connect and shape spaces through public art. Since 2002, UAC has managed the City of Memphis’s Percent-For-Art Program, which allocates funds annually to develop public art in connection to capital improvement projects. UAC also facilitates public art projects throughout the city, working with various partners and clients to support artists and new experiences with art.
Previous Exhibitions at UrbanArt Commission can be found HERE.
SITE SPECIFICS
UAC is seeking artists and artist teams to exhibit their work in our Office Exhibition Space at 422 N Cleveland St, Memphis, TN 38104. This is a free exhibition opportunity for local artists. This initiative is designed to support and showcase the creativity of our artistic community.
Artists are encouraged to consider the unique characteristics of the Office Exhibition Space in their exhibition proposals. This includes:
Dimensions and layout of the space.
Lighting conditions.
Accessibility considerations.
Any structural limitations or opportunities within the space.
For measurements and to walk through the space:
Please contact our program manager, Travis Washington, at Travis@uacmem.org
SCOPE OF WORK
Exhibition Time Windows
Three exhibition time windows will be awarded to three different applicants: PLEASE in your submission state which dates you’re interested in to best help your chances of selection. *The time windows awarded will include installation, opening events, exhibition closing event, and deinstallation. You will work with the program manager to coordinate installation, deinstallation, and event dates upon being selected.
- Window 1: Feb 1st - April 23rd (2027)
- Window 2: May 3rd - July 23rd (2027)
- Window 3: Aug 2nd - October 22nd (2027)
PROJECT EXPECTATIONS
Artists are responsible for the following:
- Installation and Deinstallation: Including any necessary wall repairs or painting.( UAC will supply wall putty and paint for repairs)
- Exhibition Maintenance: Ensuring the exhibition remains in good condition throughout its duration.
- Event Coordination: Organizing any related events, such as an opening reception, in coordination with our team. Reception and other exhibition event dates must be requested in a timely manner.
- Promotion: While we will help promote the exhibition through our channels, artists are encouraged to actively promote their show. Any graphics and event registration links must be created by the artists.
- Insurance: Artists are responsible for insuring their work. Our organization is not liable for any damage or loss of artwork.
- Payment/Compensation Details:The selected artist/artists will not receive any compensation or funding for their participation.
- Commission: UAC will not take commission on any sales, all proceeds of work sold will go directly to the artist. (UAC does not facilitate any sales)
- Sales: Artists should plan/set up platforms to receive payment for sales when artists are not present. (QR codes for payment methods and contact information)
SELECTION TIMELINE
Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 RFQ released
Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 Information Session
Monday, November 23rd, 2026 RFQ deadline
Week of December 1st, 2026 Notify selected artists
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Please submit the following materials online:
- Completed application form
- A typed letter explaining your interest in the call and your approach/concept for the exhibition. You may also include ideas you have for receptions and any other events related to the exhibition. Reminder that the artists are expected to plan the promotion of the exhibition with support from UAC in distributing content through their publication channels.
- Up to 20 images of exhibition-ready work, including title of work, date, medium, and project partners, if any. Work submitted must be ready to be displayed upon being selected. If you feel you do not have enough work for the space, you are encouraged but not expected to apply as an artist group or collective.
- Résumé or CV, not to exceed 2 pages.
- List of three professional references, including current phone and email.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
UAC will host an information session for interested artists on Wednesday, November 4th, 2026.
The session will be recorded and a link made available to applicants who are unable to attend during that time. The information session will be heavily focused on expectations and will further explain its relevance to the Office Exhibition opportunity. Interested artists who have not completed an exhibition space call to artists previously are strongly encouraged to reach out to the UAC team in advance of submitting their application. Artists may also schedule a meeting with UAC staff to review their application and portfolio. Appointments are available until 1 week prior to the close of the call to artists. See project contact information below.
For more information about this project, please contact:
Travis Washington | Program Manager
901.221.4077 | Travis@uacmem.org
This RFQ can be found on www.uacmem.org/calls-to-artists
DISCLAIMERS
UAC is 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.
Applicants will be notified as to the status of their application. Commissioning of artists by UAC and the pursuit of all UAC activities are implemented without preference to racial or ethnic origins, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability, or age.
UAC reserves the right to modify this solicitation and to request additional information from participating artists.
UAC 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.
The UAC team will be responsible for all correspondence and communication by and between applicants and members of selection panels. 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 UAC.