Nashville approves $400K youth campus public art project with open artist call

On April 17, 2025, the Metro Arts Commission's Public Art Committee convened to discuss significant developments in Nashville's public art initiatives, highlighting the approval of a major project aimed at empowering local youth and the progress of the Arthur Avenue Public Art Lighting project.

The committee unanimously approved the Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment Public Art Project, which will feature an interior wall-mounted artwork. The project has an allocated artist budget of $400,000 and will include an open call for artists. This initiative is seen as a vital step in fostering creativity and engagement among Nashville's youth, providing them with a platform to express themselves through art.

In addition to the youth project, the committee addressed two other action items related to public art. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nashville Public Library and the MOU for the Arthur Avenue Public Art project were both deferred to the May meeting. The committee is currently collaborating with legal teams to finalize these agreements, indicating a careful and thorough approach to the planning process.

Anne Leslie provided an update on the Arthur Avenue Public Art Lighting project, which has been in development for several years. This project, initially funded by a $75,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, has seen its budget increase to $500,000 due to additional funding from the Nashville Department of Transportation and Metro Arts. The project aims to enhance the area beneath Interstate 65 at Arthur Avenue, transforming it into a vibrant public art space. Installation is expected to begin in the coming months, with a dedication ceremony planned following its completion.

The discussions during this meeting reflect Nashville's commitment to enriching its cultural landscape through public art, particularly projects that engage and empower the community. As these initiatives progress, they promise to enhance the city's artistic identity and foster a sense of community pride. The committee's next steps will involve finalizing the MOUs and moving forward with the installation of the Arthur Avenue lighting, marking a significant advancement in Nashville's public art endeavors.