The City of Knoxville’s Public Arts Committee invites artists (and artist teams) to submit qualifications for a permanent work of art to be located in Cal Johnson Community Center, 507 South Hall of Fame Drive, in downtown Knoxville.

The Committee seeks artists to create a significant, site-specific mural in the gymnasium of the community center, which celebrated the results of a $500,000 upgrade in 2020. 



From the RFQ: "The committee seeks to enliven this well-used recreation center with mural in the gym on the north wall behind the backboard measuring approximately 45’ wide and 12’ tall. The committee seeks an artist who can envision a mural that is lively, colorful, inspiring; viewable day and night; inviting to children and adults; well-integrated with the existing interior design; and considers the historic nature of the building and surrounding neighborhood."

The center is named for Caldonia Fackler Johnson (1844-1925), who was born enslaved and become Knoxville’s first African-American millionaire. Read more about his accomplishments here.

In addition, the Center is located in the neighborhood where a young Nikki Giovanni visited her grandparents during the summers of her childhood. A marker in front of the building indicates that the current Hall of Fame Drive was at one time Mulvaney Street. 

Up to five artists will be selected as finalists to prepare and present a proposal design to be considered for the site. The budget for this project is $25,000. Local artists are especially encouraged to respond.

Visit KnoxAlliance.com/CalJohnson to view the full RFQ, which includes project details, requirements for submission, application form, and more.

The deadline for RFQ materials to be received is Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. The goal date for installation is Spring 2025.

A technical assistance workshop will be held via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, 6 p.m. Email [email protected] to RSVP.