Germantown opens competition for Wolf River Cultural Greenway murals inside Riverwoods pedestrian tunnel project

Public art call targets Greenway tunnel near Riverwoods State Nature Area

The City of Germantown has opened a competitive selection process to commission a series of murals for the Riverwoods Pedestrian Tunnel along the Germantown Greenway, a project positioned as the first phase of the Wolf River Cultural Greenway initiative. The painted works are intended to visually transform a pedestrian tunnel near the Riverwoods State Nature Area while maintaining the tunnel’s role as a wildlife crossing beneath Wolf River Boulevard.

The city is seeking up to 10 artists or artist teams to design and paint murals inspired by the wildlife and biodiversity associated with the Wolf River. The initiative is described as multi-phase, with long-term plans to incorporate public art throughout the Greenway trail system.

Scope of work: eight mid-sized murals plus entrance vignettes

Phase I centers on murals inside the tunnel and at its entry points. The project includes eight mid-sized mural locations, with individual painted areas described as ranging from approximately 192 to 396 square feet, alongside smaller mural vignettes planned for the tunnel entrances. Separate project materials also describe mural sites as including interior sections and sides of the tunnel entryways, with areas ranging from 120 square feet up to 396 square feet.

Artists are being asked to respond to the site as both a pedestrian passage and a gateway environment where people and wildlife intersect. The city’s stated aim is to create a visually engaging landmark that enhances the trail experience for users of the Greenway.

Eligibility and compensation structure

The opportunity is open to emerging and established artists age 18 and older who live within 75 miles of Germantown, Tennessee. Previous public-art experience is not required, though mural or large-format painting experience is encouraged.

• Up to 10 artists/teams may be selected.
• Finalists are to receive a $500 design stipend.
• Final mural budgets are calculated at $20 per square foot, with total artist fees typically ranging from about $3,800 to $5,000 per mural area, including design, materials and installation.

Application deadline and submission process

Applications are due on February 4, 2026, at 10:59 p.m. CST. Submissions are being accepted through the CaFE artist application platform, using a Request for Qualifications process that will be used to identify artists for the tunnel mural commissions.

The murals are framed as part of a broader plan to integrate public art into the Greenway system, with Phase I establishing an initial set of installations inside and at the entrances of the Riverwoods Pedestrian Tunnel.

Funding and program background

The city reports the project is funded in part through a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission along with support from the Germantown Public Art Fund. The Germantown Public Art Program operates in support of the Germantown Public Art Commission, established in 2018 under the guidance of the Mayor and Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

For the Greenway project, the city has positioned the tunnel murals as an early step in a longer-term cultural corridor concept that blends recreation infrastructure with commissioned public artwork.