Metro Arts approves $375,000 commission for Mariposa Park public artwork

The Metro Arts Commission voted to approve the Mariposa Park public art project, authorizing an artist commission budget of $375,000 funded from the percent-for-public-art allocation. Staff described the installation site at 140 Tuscalum Road in southeast Nashville and said the permanent artwork will occupy a roughly 30-by-30-foot paved pad designed to provide a focal meeting space and shade for up to about 40 occupants.

"This art will border the park's ADA concrete slab...making it a prominent meeting space for visitors while providing outdoor shading elements," said Mana of the public art team during the presentation. Staff said the regional request for qualifications (RFQ) will be released in August and will accept applicants from Tennessee and neighboring states; if all goes according to plan, full installation is expected by 2028. The commission’s public art committee recommended approval and the motion to fund the artist commission passed at the meeting.