The City of Memphis has launched “Create Your Space,” a call for ideas for the creative reimagining of the Memphis College of Art and Brooks Museum buildings.
The open invitation is to “help create a new blueprint for the iconic Overton Park anchors to ensure that they remain accessible cultural assets for the entire Memphis community.
Individuals, organizations, and teams – from Memphis and beyond – are encouraged to submit online at createyourspace901.com by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2019.
Respondents with the most compelling ideas will be chosen by a selection committee to expand on their ideas as part of a request for proposals (RFP) process.
The City, in partnership with EpiCenter, will host an informational workshop on April 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Memphis College of Art (MCA), where attendees can receive feedback from experts and the selection team, led by U3 Advisors (the consultant team for the project). Register for the workshop at http://bit.ly/createyourspace901.
Epicenter will be available throughout April to provide potential respondents with free advice and feedback. Ideas can be submitted for one building, both buildings, and part of either building. The strongest submissions will be those that enhance the surrounding park, encourage connections, are financially sustainable, and are accessible and welcoming to all Memphians.
The Memphis College of Art building will return to City ownership when MCA closes its doors in the summer of 2020. The Brooks Museum building is owned by the City of Memphis and will remain in the City’s ownership when the museum relocates downtown in 2024.
The City of Memphis and U3 Advisors hosted two public forums, conducted an online survey, and held more than 25 stakeholder meetings. The comments were factored into the solicitation process and helped shape a set of guiding principles for the reuse of the buildings.
