Challenges to Chattanooga’s Public Art and Creativity

Key Threats:

• Loss of Southern Artistic Identity Amid Rapid Development
  As Chattanooga expands, new developments often prioritize modern aesthetics over the preservation of Southern and local art. This shift can lead to the disappearance of murals, sculptures, and traditional crafts that reflect Chattanooga’s distinct cultural heritage.
• Limited Funding for Public Art Programs
  Historically, public funding for art has been inconsistent, with limited budgets for art installations, murals, and local artist support. Without sufficient funding, many artists struggle to find opportunities to create public works that enrich the community and bring local stories to life.
• Gentrification and Loss of Creative Spaces
  Rising property values in once-affordable neighborhoods threaten to displace artists and creators, limiting their access to studio spaces and affordable housing. This trend can reduce the number of local artists able to contribute to the city’s creative landscape and diminish Chattanooga’s artistic diversity.
• Lack of Accessible Platforms for Local Artists
  Emerging artists often struggle to gain visibility, as opportunities for showcasing work are limited. Without access to galleries, public spaces, or community events, many local talents are left without a voice.

Our Solution:

1. Expanding Public Art Installations

• Create a Public Art Collaboration Network that connects local businesses, neighborhood associations, and developers directly with artists. This would streamline the process for stakeholders who are interested in sponsoring or commissioning art.some text
  • Action Item: Develop a toolkit or “how-to” guide for local businesses and developers outlining the steps to engage with artists, fund art installations, and align projects with Chattanooga's cultural identity. We are already working on this but it isn’t completed yet. Need to have Public Art Commission buy in before releasing to public.
  • Action Item: Launch a public art "wishlist" campaign, where neighborhoods can submit areas they want to see revitalized through art. This helps identify community priorities while encouraging collaboration with local artists.

2. Funding for Local Artists

• While you already work through ArtsBuild, consider expanding artist funding through a business sponsorship program.some text
  • Action Item: Launch a "Sponsor an Artist" initiative where private businesses or philanthropists fund specific projects. In return, they receive recognition through city platforms and events.

3. Creating Accessible Platforms for Emerging Artists

• New Idea: Implement a Mobile Arts Initiative—a traveling art space or “gallery on wheels” that rotates through neighborhoods, offering pop-up showcases in underserved areas or places without traditional gallery access.some text
  • Action Item: Convert a city vehicle or partner with a local company to transform a van or truck into a traveling art exhibition space. This mobile gallery can bring art into communities that may not frequent formal galleries or cultural spaces.
  • Action Item: Organize an "Open Walls" project where underused or vacant public spaces are temporarily turned into galleries or mural sites, with an open call for submissions from emerging artists.
  • Action Item: Work with CARTA to create a creativity bus where visual art is displayed on the bus and performing artists perform on the bus. This idea is already partially being implemented (visual art part) and we are working through the performing art piece.

4. Incorporating Artistic Identity Amid Rapid Development

• Create a Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) requirement for new developments. Just like environmental impact assessments, developers would assess how their projects affect local culture and identity, with the goal of incorporating public art or cultural elements into the design.some text
  • Action Item: Work with the city’s planning department to establish guidelines for cultural assessments, encouraging developers to include public art, historical markers, or artistic elements in their projects.
  • Action Item: Highlight successful case studies where art was incorporated into modern developments to show the value it brings in terms of identity, community pride, and economic return.

5. Protecting Creative Spaces from Gentrification

• Creative Space Zoning—introduce zoning regulations or policies that protect affordable spaces for artists in gentrifying neighborhoods.some text
  • Action Item: Work with the planning office to designate certain areas as "Creative Zones" where there are incentives for landlords to offer reduced rent for artist studios, performance spaces, or galleries.
  • Action Item: Explore establishing an artist housing program that offers affordable housing options for creatives, potentially in collaboration with developers who receive tax benefits for including artist-friendly units in their projects.

6. Public Art Integrated into City Programming

• Expand public art by incorporating it into city-sponsored festivals or events. For example, each city event (like the upcoming 'Culture on 4' or 'Noontunes') could feature an interactive art installation that involves community participation.some text
  • Action Item: Work with local artists to create "live" art installations during city events, where the public can contribute to the creation process. Example graffiti wall installation at Chatt Town Cool Down

Summary of New Approaches:

• Public Art Collaboration Network: Engage businesses, developers, and neighborhoods in art installations.
• Crowdsourced or Matching Grant Fundraising: Supplement ArtsBuild efforts with community-driven funding models.
• Mobile Arts Initiative: Bring art directly to communities through pop-up exhibitions.
• Cultural Impact Assessments: Ensure new developments consider the cultural identity
• of Chattanooga.
• Creative Space Zoning: Protect and expand affordable creative spaces in gentrifying
• areas.
• Interactive Art at City Events: Integrate public art into ongoing city programming for
• greater visibility and engagement.

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