The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is a community development organization working with anchor institutions to strengthen the connections, communities and campuses in the District so that they are more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable.
Through the Quality Public Realm program, MMDC and its partners are focused on streetscape improvements that create a safer and more attractive environment for everyone who visits, lives, works, or studies in the District whether they get here by bike, on foot, using public transit, or driving. The Madison Avenue Streetscape project follows the successful redesign of several phases of streetscape projects in the Medical District, including Marshall and Monroe, Manassas Street, and MLK Avenue.
Madison Avenue will be repaved by the City of Memphis in the next two years, and MMDC is partnering with the City on a redesign of the street, which will include artistic treatments on designated intersections. The portion of the street from Pauline St. to Raine Pl. is slated for redesign beginning fall of 2024.
Two intersections along Madison Avenue, (1) Madison and Cleveland and (2) Madison and Montgomery, are part of the City’s Accelerate Memphis portfolio. These two sections of the corridor are on an accelerated timeline for implementation and are expected to be implemented by end of year 2023.
MMDC is currently accepting applications to submit an asphalt art design proposal for the linked intersections (highlighted in tan) along Madison Ave. from Pauline St. to Raine Pl. These street designs are subject to change pending review by City Engineering.
Asphalt art design proposals should allude to colors and branding evidenced in MMDC’s Streetscape Lookbook and reflect the surrounding businesses, institutions, and places along Madison Ave. Proposals can include patterns, symbols, or shapes that create a sense of place, establish vibrancy along the street, and enhance intersection visibility.
To be considered, we ask Memphis creatives to submit their qualifications via a statement of interest, resume and samples of their work.
Finalists will receive a $400 design honoraria to develop asphalt art concepts along Madison Avenue from Pauline St. to Raine Pl. The selected artist will receive a total of $6,000 upon completion of full design.
Applicants must:
Additional considerations:
Monday, February 13: RFQ Released
Friday, March 20: RFQ/Application Deadline
Friday, March 31: Finalist Selections (honoraria paid to finalists)
Friday, May 26: Artist Selected (25% deposit paid to Artist)
Friday, June 30: Second Draft Concepts Due (25% deposit paid to Artist)
Friday, July 31: Artist Final Concepts Due (remaining deposit paid to Artist)
RFQ Applicants must submit:
If selected, finalists will be asked for the following*:
Upon final artist selection, the artist will be asked for the following*:
*More details about the Medical District, finalist requirements, and timeline will be provided to finalists upon selection.
Finalists will receive a $400 honorarium. The selected artist from the pool of finalists will receive $6,000 honorarium and will be required to submit a 1099.
Submitted concepts will be reviewed by MMDC staff and the project’s street design consultants to determine project viability. Via email, each finalist will receive comments and possible next steps after all concepts have been reviewed. MMDC does not hold any obligations to fund or produce submitted concepts.
Artists will retain copyright to renderings/sketches, designs, and processes detailed in submitted materials. MMDC holds the right to share proposals internally for reference/example purposes. MMDC does not hold the right to solely fabricate or execute the proposed concept without the written consent of the artist. MMDC facilitates public art programming that connects artists with community stakeholders to create interventions that are engaging and reflective of the neighborhoods in the District.
For additional information, eligibility questions, or help with your application please contact info@mdcollaborative.org.
