Atlanta, GA – 4U Recording, a collection of state-of-the-art recording studios owned and operated byMade in Memphis Entertainment (MIME), has launched a new contest seeking artists to paint two murals that will define the character of their new studio in Atlanta, which is expected to open in the summer. In addition to the right to paint one or both murals, winners will be paid $5,000 per mural and receive an invitation to the studio’s grand opening party.
“MIME is committed to working with artists on the local level to create global success, which is why we want to open our new Atlanta space to muralists to create a unique vibe that marries Atlanta local features with international elements,” said Tony Alexander, President & Managing Director of MIME. “We want to find and amplify creative voices in all forms of media, and we hope these murals will capture that energy as we enter the Atlanta community.”
“The addition of these murals is going to be a hallmark of our new studio in Atlanta, setting the vibe for everyone who walks through our doors,” said Crystal Carpenter, Studio Manager of 4U Recording. “These murals will not only enliven the studio experience, they’ll also be wonderful additions to the Atlanta art community and provide a backdrop for creativity for years to come.”
The first mural, which will be located inside of the VIP Lounge/Entrance with dimensions of 15’ 10” wide and 18’ high, will serve as a social media status symbol for artists, producers, studio personnel, and others who are invited into this exclusive area. Artists are asked to submit designs that pay homage to modern music icons in a graffiti style. The second mural, with dimensions of 16’ wide and 9’ high, will be located in the entrance hallway between Studio A and Studio E, greeting all visitors to the studio. Artists are asked to submit vibrant designs in either a graffiti or digital style.
Interested individual artists or groups of artists must submit an application including 10 copies of a color rendering of the proposed mural, as well as their project timeline, budget, written description of the proposed mural, site, wall preparation, materials and processes, protective coating, and individuals/groups involved. The deadline for submissions is May 25th, after which a 1-2 week selection process will begin where MIME department leaders will judge submissions based on the following criteria:
- Accessibility: viewable by the public
- Artist Quality: strength of the artist’s concept and demonstrated craftsmanship
- Contemporary Relevance: appropriateness for our time
- Context: architectural, geographical, socio-cultural, and historical
- Feasibility: budget, timeline, experience, etc.
- Originality: uniqueness
- Permanence: must last a minimum of five years, resistance to vandalism and weather
- Scale: appropriateness to scale specifications
- Suitability: appropriateness for clients, guests, and staff
- Technical Proficiency: technical skills and artistic experience
Every artist must also demonstrate that they will use media that ensures mural longevity and durability, paint on a surface and structure that is stable and ready (or will be) for painting, use acceptable graffiti/UV coating on the finished mural that provides resistance to vandalism and weather, and create a mural that is accessible to the public.
Once the winning design has been selected for each mural, the artists will formally present their proposals to MIME leadership staff for an initial review of the imagery before they begin the painting process. After signing the required paperwork, artists will be given half of their cash prize as a deposit to buy materials, with the remainder to be paid upon completion of the murals. Digital pictures of the completed murals will also be provided to the Arts Commission’s online gallery of public art murals.
4U Recording encourages artists of all ages and races to apply, and all artistic styles are welcome.
To submit, contact Crystal Carpenter at 901-633-4409 or by email at info@4urecording.com.
About Made in Memphis Entertainment (MIME)
Made in Memphis Entertainment (MIME) is a Black-owned full-service entertainment company with global reach, but with its heart in the hometown of modern American music. Founded in 2015 by original Stax Records songwriter and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee David Porter (CEO) and 20+ year business and legal veteran Tony Alexander (President and Managing Director), MIME is dedicated to re-establishing Memphis as a key music industry hub while expanding its influence around the world, all while developing and promoting diverse talent on both the creative and business sides of the industry.
MIME’s family of companies includes MIME Records, an independent record label home to artists like Porcelan, Brandon Lewis, and Jessica Ray; MIME Publishing, an independent music publishing company that handles Porter’s legendary songwriting catalog and other copyrights of some of the most sought after young producers in hip-hop and R&B; Heavy Hitters Music, a film, TV, and ad sync company with an all-female creative team and Emmy-winning music catalog; Beatroot Music, the only Black-owned music distributor in the U.S., as well as Beatroot Africa; and 4U Recording, a state-of-the-art recording studio in Memphis with more branches opening soon.
For more information, visit www.mimecorp.com.