Metro Arts approves $400,000 public art commission for Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment

The Metro Arts Commission approved a $400,000 public-art commission and an open national request for qualifications for an interior, wall-mounted artwork at the new Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment.

Atelio (public art staff) told the commission the project covers a prominent 1,300-square-foot interior wall at the courthouse entrance on the 14-acre campus in North Nashville. The campus, located near Trinity and I-24 and led by Judge Sheila Calloway with Metro general-services partnership, will include courtrooms, therapy and workforce spaces, and a courtyard; the facility’s anticipated opening is January 2027.

PAC (Public Art Committee) recommended a national RFQ for artist teams and a $400,000 artist budget. The RFQ timeline presented to commissioners calls for release the week of May 5, a June 16 closing date for submissions, an August online review and shortlist, and then community-engagement steps and final selection panels that will return shortlist and final recommendations to the commission.

Atelio said the commission will require selected artists to conduct a minimum of two community-engagement sessions to inform concept development; concept designs will return to PAC and the full commission for review before final approval and contract execution. PAC noted standard eligibility rules: artists or teams with an active Metro Arts public-art contract or who work for Metro are ineligible; the call will include a pre-submission eligibility Q&A period.

Commissioners approved the project and budget in a voice vote. PAC and staff said they will notify the public, run outreach to local artists and broader national pools, and provide a Q&A period to clarify eligibility and encourage local participation within a national call context.