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Lakeisha Edwards Takes Charge of Memphis Urban Art Commission

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Vibrant mural symbolizing community engagement and artistic diversity in Memphis

News Summary

Lakeisha Edwards has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Urban Art Commission (UAC) in Memphis. With a background in social work and community development, Edwards aims to enhance the city through art and creativity. Her dedication to community engagement and previous experience in nonprofit initiatives will guide her efforts to integrate art into Memphis’s public spaces. Edwards emphasizes the importance of art education and fair compensation for artists, seeking to unite artists with communities to create impactful projects.

Memphis has a new leader at the helm of its Urban Art Commission (UAC), as Lakeisha Edwards takes on the role of Executive Director. Edwards, who holds bachelor’s degrees in social work and psychology from the University of Memphis, brings a robust history of community development to her new position. She aims to leverage her background to transform the city through art and creativity.

Before ascending to this leadership role, Edwards served as the Operations Manager for Shelby County Child Support Services for a decade, where she was deeply involved in community-focused initiatives. Her previous experience at the Mid-South Food Bank, where she addressed issues surrounding food insecurity, further demonstrates her commitment to bettering the lives of others in Memphis.

Edwards’s transition to the arts was ignited by a passion for community engagement. She previously operated a nonprofit art gallery in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and her return to Memphis marks a significant chapter in her career, blending her knowledge of social work with her dedication to the arts.

Established in 1997, the UAC has played a vital role in enriching Memphis neighborhoods by commissioning over 100 public artworks. The commission has also been responsible for managing the city’s percent-for-art program annually since 2002, ensuring that a portion of city funds allocated for construction and development projects is set aside for public art.

As she embarks on her tenure, Edwards underscores the importance of art education. She believes that art allows children to express themselves and fosters a sense of pride in their creations. Edwards is committed to advocating for artists, emphasizing that they should be compensated fairly for their work, as exposure alone does not cover living expenses.

Lakeisha Edwards recognizes that the work of the UAC involves uniting artists with communities to create transformative projects that enhance public spaces. Her vision includes integrating the arts into community development and exploring opportunities for creative placemaking throughout Memphis.

Among her cherished memories of Memphis is her college graduation in 2002, held in the iconic Memphis Pyramid. This moment reflects her deep-rooted connection to the city and its cultural diversity, which she aims to mirror through the UAC’s initiatives.

Edwards’s passion for the arts is closely tied to her commitment to social work, particularly in advocating for artists who often have experienced trauma and require support. She aims to foster an environment where artists can thrive and express their unique identities.

Under her leadership, the UAC seeks to cultivate a vibrant public art scene that not only reflects Memphis’s cultural diversity but actively engages the community in its creation. Edwards highlights significant projects such as the art collection for the Memphis International Airport and the “I Am a Man” installation, which honors the city’s rich civil rights history, as key examples of UAC’s impactful outreach.

In her new role, Lakeisha Edwards expresses admiration for the collaborative spirit and resilience evident within Memphis’s community. This inspiration energizes her approach to fostering artistic initiatives that resonate on multiple levels, ultimately aiming to integrate art into the fabric of Memphis life.

Edwards’s leadership marks a promising era for the Urban Art Commission, as the organization strives to empower both artists and community members to create a more dynamic and expressive Memphis.

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Additional Resources

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Author: HERE Memphis

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