Dogwood Arts 2026 So-Kno Art Trail Mural Application

Description

SoKno Art Trail Mural ApplicationDogwood Arts is seeking prominent mural artists (age 18+) to create several new, large-scale murals on multiple walls along an exciting new SoKno Rail Trail and Art Trail in Knoxville, TN, as part of our Art in Public Places Mural Program. Legacy Parks is creating a 3.8-mile rail trail stretching from the edge of Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center. This rail-to-trail conversion will also feature a 1.5-mile Art Walk created by Legacy Parks Foundation. The rail trail will provide both a commuter and a recreational route, as well as another key connection in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.
Murals will cover more than 12,000 square feet across multiple locations and stipends will vary broadly depending on artist profile, travel requirements, proposed design, and the square footage of the space assigned. Each mural stipend is budgeted to exceed $11,000. Dogwood Arts and the property owners will ensure that walls are prepped, cleaned, and primed prior to the artist beginning work.
Dogwood Arts and our sponsors will provide equipment including scissor lifts, scaffolding, and ladders to be used by artists as needed. Artists may also submit requests for additional required tools/materials (step stools, paint trays, rollers, etc). A paint stipend may also be provided per artist based on the wall dimensions and design (TBD based on need).
Each artist will be responsible for their transportation to/from Knoxville. Artists requiring lodging assistance can apply for that as well - this must be factored into the initial contract agreement.

Project TimelineApril 27, 2026 [11:59PM]: Application Deadline May 22, 2026: Artist Notification DateJune 22nd, 2026 - August 28, 2026: Mural Installation (to be coordinated individually based on artist availability)Fall 2026: Grand Opening (exact date TBD)

Project Size:More than 12,000 square feet across multiple locations along the new SoKno Art Trail.Project Stipend:Stipends will vary broadly depending on artist profile, travel requirements, proposed design, and the square footage of the space assigned. Each mural stipend is budgeted to exceed $11,000.Creative Direction:

We want this to be an opportunity for the artists’ individual style and creativity to take the lead. Themes, guidelines, and property owners often dictate the work you get to make - let this be your chance to dream big, paint what YOU think would be a great addition to our community and to the SoKno Art Trail. We just ask that you steer clear of profanity, nudity and politics.
For this application, please provide a written statement, explaining your proposed mural concept. Additionally, please submit images of 3-5 of your recent murals, along with reference contacts from those projects. If your proposal is selected, you will be asked to submit concept sketches for approval prior to beginning work.
Ownership of the Work:The trail is comprised of buildings owned by individuals and businesses. The mural program relies on the agreement by the individual property owners to allow the artwork to be painted on their walls. However, the rights of ownership for the walls and connected buildings is explicitly restricted to the owners of each individual property. Under no circumstances should the artist assume that they have rights of ownership or ultimate control over the physical wall space or any part of the real property. The artist will maintain ownership rights of the original mural design and any sketches provided during the application phase.Use of the Work:Notwithstanding the assignment of any advertising/promotion rights to Dogwood Arts, the artist shall retain the right to reproduce the artwork at their discretion. Dogwood Arts/Building Owner may use the artwork/reproductions in educational, sponsorship, and marketing materials. The mural artwork may also be reproduced by Dogwood Arts for retail merchandise including notecards, small prints, magnets, etc in support of our overall programming that celebrates the art, culture, and natural beauty of East TN.Limit of Liability: The Artist agrees to indemnify and hold Dogwood Arts, the City of Knoxville, property owners adjacent to the alley, their subsidiaries, affiliates, and licensors, and their respective officers, agents, partners and employees, harmless from any loss, liability, claim, or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of your use of the Services, Contributions or Materials in violation of these Terms and/or arising from a breach of these Terms and/or any breach of your representations and warranties set forth above.

Questions
Contact Emily Curran: ecurran@dogwoodarts.com or call (865) 637-4561. Emails are typically answered M-F 9am-5pm. 
Press Release released on 2/26/2026WORK BEGINS TO CREATE SOKNO RAIL TRAIL AND ART WALK
Knoxville, Tenn. – The tracks have been removed and the first public art installation revealed as momentum builds on the SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk, the much anticipated multi-use rail-to-trail project in south Knoxville, Legacy Parks Foundation announced today. 
Through a collaboration among Gulf & Ohio Railways, the City of Knoxville and Legacy Parks Foundation, the 3.8-mile rail corridor stretching from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center will be transformed into a soft-surface multi-use trail that includes a 1.5-mile Art Walk, blending outdoor recreation with public art. 
Legacy Parks Foundation has collaborated since 2015 with Gulf & Ohio Railways to create a rail-with-trail along south Knoxville’s waterfront, with a trail paralleling the rail line.  In December 2024, Gulf & Ohio made the decision to close the rail line, creating the opportunity to convert the rail line into a public trail. 
The City of Knoxville’s Public Works Department is expected to begin construction within the next three months on a soft-surface, accessible trail, including the first 1.5-mile segment from Chapman Highway to Island Home Avenue designated as the Art Walk.
Legacy Parks will create the Art Walk, beginning with an initial $1 million gift from the Lawson Family Foundation. The Art Walk that will feature unique, diverse, and engaging works by local and national artists, transforming the trail into a cultural destination for residents and visitors alike. Art along the trail will include murals, sculptures, functional installations, landscape architecture, and youth-created works.
“The SoKno Rail Trail will offer an experience that is both urban and natural - running alongside the restaurants and breweries of Sevier Avenue and continuing through wooded areas to Ijams Nature Center,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation. “It will provide a unique cultural, recreational and transportation corridor that connects neighborhoods, provides safe routes for walking and biking, and celebrates Knoxville’s creativity through public art.” 
The SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk is made possible through a broad collaboration of community and design partners. MHM is serving as project architect, Lose Design leading landscape architecture, and LARC are contributing specialized design elements, including lighting design for the tunnel. Dogwood Arts is managing artist selection, coordination, and art installations along the corridor. Johnson Architecture, Kern’s Food Hall and the Old Sevier District are key community partners, helping connect the trail to South Knoxville’s vibrant cultural and business districts.
“We are so excited this project is moving forward,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “Now that the rails are coming up, we can’t wait to begin work on creating this trail that will become part of Knoxville’s greenway system. This project is another fun and creative way we are increasing connectivity in South Knoxville and all across the city.” 
The SoKno Art Walk is anticipated to open in Fall 2026.

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