Public Art Project Manager Position

Apply by Monday, May 20, 2013

Part-time, 20 hours/week
The UrbanArt Commission's Public Art Project Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of assigned public art/design enhancement projects. The Public Art Project Manager works with the Executive Director and Project Management team in facilitating planning, design and implementation of a variety of public art projects for the City of Memphis Public Art Program, the Memphis Area Transportation Authority and private clients. The Public Art Project Manager implements effective tracking systems for recording and reporting project-related facilitation including contracting and billing related to project activities, benchmark requirements, and overall adherence to program guidelines.

Reports to: Executive Director

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
•  Manage all aspects of specific public art/design enhancement projects and budgets, as assigned, including project planning, facilitating artist selection and City approval processes, contract negotiation and compliance, managing project budgets and schedules, monitoring fabrication and installation of artworks, project dedication and maintenance coordination
•  Develop partnerships with neighborhood associations, redevelopment agencies and public entities (e.g., transportation authority, community partners, etc.) for specific public art projects
•  Plan and facilitate public art planning workshops and community meetings, as required
•  Plan and organize training workshops for artist and design professionals, as assigned
•  Plan and implement public education and outreach programs, as assigned
•  Contribute content for website and publications, as assigned
•  Represent the UrbanArt Public Art Program and the Director of Public Art, as assigned
•  Other related duties, as assigned

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Overall qualifications required include proven ability to work with a diverse range of publics and staff, including artists.

  • Must be proactive, highly motivated, detail oriented and well organized.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office software, especially Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop and InDesign skills preferred. Proficiency with Basecamp project management platform a plus.
  • Should be functional with Mac-based computer systems.
  • Must possess excellent verbal and written communication abilities, and be proficient in the operation of common office machinery including scanners, digital cameras, printers, fax, etc.

Education/Experience
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in arts management, art history, design, planning, or a closely related field. Previous public art project management experience for a municipal program or other publicly funded program required. A substantial knowledge of public art, design and contemporary art issues must be demonstrated.

Compensation
Based on experience and qualifications.

Applicants should email a current resume including salary history, a letter of interest not to exceed 1 page, and 3 professional references with the subject line “Project Manager application” to: clanzl [at] urbanartcommission [dot] org by Monday, May 20, 2013.

About us: UrbanArt is an award-winning, independent non-profit organization committed to enhancing the cultural vibrancy of our community through the development of public art. We celebrate diversity in everything we do.

UrbanArt Internships

1. Art & design internships for murals /public art in Memphis
2. Public Relations & Social Media interns

The UrbanArt Commission’s Public Art Community Outreach Program is designed to design and implement requests for small-scale, community-based public art projects UAC receives from citizens who are in underserved, perhaps isolated, communities throughout the City of Memphis. 

Under the supervision of qualified UrbanArt Commission staff, the interns will meet with community groups and assist in designing and executing and promoting the program and its goals for the project and the need for public art in their community. The UrbanArt Commission hires interns in undergraduate and graduate programs:

1. Art & design interns assist in designing and executing murals

2. Public Relations/Communications/Social Media interns communicate UrbanArt programs and projects through our website and other social media outlets, in addition to conducting impact surveys. 

Each intern will be trained in public art community-outreach and will be responsible for engaging with community under the supervision of Executive Director Christina Lanzl and Siphne Sylve, UrbanArt Commission Project Manager and Coordinator of Community Outreach and Education.

Applicaton Process: Please send an email stating your interest and a brief bio or resume to:
Christina Lanzl, Executive Director
UrbanArt Commission, 3485 Poplar Avenue, Suite 225
PO Box 11689
Memphis, TN 38111
901.454.0474 general
901.552.3934 direct
clanzl [at] urbanartcommission [dot] org
www.urbanartcommission.org 

How to apply for UrbanArt Public Art projects and the opportunities listserv

Watch this space for information and application requirements about upcoming projects.

NOTE: To apply for projects first-time users of the system must upload a profile to the Artist Registry.

Once your profile is complete, you can apply to any project in the future. Artists who upload their portfolio will begin receiving the weekly UrbanArt opportunities listserv of public art opportunities in Memphis and the region, nationally and internationally.

This Artists Handbook covers the process of applying for public art projects in Memphis, as well as the design and fabrication process if you are selected for a project commission. UrbanArt strongly advises prospective artists to study this text before submitting applications to open projects. Questions may be directed to Whitney Ranson at: wranson [at] urbanartcommission [dot] org.

Artists are selected for commissions in different ways depending on the funding client.

Some prefer to invite specific artists to submit proposals, while others mandate an open applications system.

If you have any problems joining the Artist Registry or applying for projects, please contact: info [at] urbanartcommission [dot] org.

For the guidelines structuring the City of Memphis 'Percent for Art' Program, please download the PDF provided.

If you are interested in participating on a project Selection Committee, please send Whitney Ranson your current resume with contact information and a statement of interest no longer than 3 paragraphs in length at: wranson [at] urbanartcommission [dot] org.

Please describe your current community affiliations including home and/or business address, background with community development, education, public art, or any other activities you believe will contribute to the positive outcome of our projects.