Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art Light Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Arthur Avenue underpass lighting design approved by Metro Arts; DOT to share maintenance duties
Summary
The Metro Arts Commission approved artist Alex Braden’s final design for Arthur Avenue public-art lighting; the project will use a reverent-blue paint palette and programmable LED canopy lighting, with TDOT and NDOT contributing infrastructure support and taking on maintenance responsibilities for painted surfaces.
The Metro Arts Commission approved artist Alex Braden’s final design for lighting and color treatment beneath the Arthur Avenue underpass in North Nashville, moving the project from concept to implementation with partner commitments from the Tennessee and federal transportation agencies.
Public Art Committee chair Anne Leslie summarized a design that uses a programmed LED canopy to evoke movement and water, set against a solid blue background selected from TDOT/NDOT-approved color palettes. The committee removed an originally proposed mural and benches from the concept after maintenance and ownership conversations with Metro and state transportation agencies. TDOT and NDOT have agreed to contribute $100,000 toward infrastructure and to assume routine repainting and maintenance of the selected solid-color treatment on their structures, staff said.
The project stems from community organizer Simone Boyd’s initial request and a $75,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant that helped incubate the lighting concept. Public engagement sessions last week included community members and council staff, and staff reported that residents supported the revised concept. The commission approved Braden’s final design in a voice vote and directed staff to proceed with permitting, coordination with NDOT/TDOT, and final contract execution with the artist.
Anne Leslie noted the project keeps the original intent — a dynamic, light-driven canopy referencing water and resilience — but makes practical changes to ensure long-term maintenance and interagency cooperation. The commission supported the design and expressed appreciation for the artist and community partners.
