Chattanooga, TN – The City of Chattanooga’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy launched Amplify Chatt, an initiative designed to activate public spaces through live performance and temporary public art installations. The program was funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission and aimed to strengthen community engagement through spontaneous cultural experiences across the city.
As part of the project, four performance zones were established and marked by artist-designed temporary sidewalk murals. These locations were intended to serve as visible cultural hubs that integrated art directly into everyday urban spaces.
Following a competitive selection process, a community panel selected the participating artists. The installations were created by Lexi D’Ambrosio at the Frazier Avenue sidewalk near Jimmy John’s and Hair Benders, Angie Jerez at the Downtown Public Library Plaza, Gavin Bird at St. Elmo Avenue and the Tennessee Riverwalk across from the Incline Railway, and Nathan Brown at Renaissance Park near Cardboard Hill, with that installation delayed until June or July.
The designated sites included well-known public areas such as the Downtown Public Library Plaza, St. Elmo Avenue, and Renaissance Park. The Riverwalk installation was positioned across from the Incline Railway, reinforcing the project’s focus on high-visibility community spaces.
Local businesses near the installations, including Jimmy John’s and Hair Benders, were part of the activated corridor on Frazier Avenue.
Community performances debuted on Saturday, May 30, featuring acts such as Ayeyoty at Frazier Avenue, the Chattanooga Street Dance Network at the Downtown Public Library Plaza, and Ashly Dilbeck at St. Elmo Avenue and the Riverwalk area. The program highlighted the city’s goal of blending art, music, and public life into shared cultural spaces that encourage participation and visibility for local performers.