Contemporary Arts Memphis: Nurturing Young Artists and Transforming the Scene

In recent times, a remarkable trend has emerged among contemporary artists - a growing inclination to give back to their roots and create spaces that inspire and cultivate the next generation of artists and creatives. This global phenomenon is particularly vibrant in Africa, with renowned names like Ibrahim Mahama, Elias Sime, Kehinde Wiley, Yinka Shonibare, Attakwi Clottey, and most recently, Amoako Boafo leading the way with artist-led initiatives. From Mahama's Red Clay and Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art to other ambitious projects across the continent, these spaces are becoming hotbeds of talent and cultural exchange. Meanwhile, Julie Mehretu made waves last month by donating .25 million to the Whitney Museum, ensuring free admission for visitors aged 25 and under - a bold move that mirrors the spirit of her work.

Artist Derek Fordjour's Generous Contribution

Now, record-breaking auction darling Derek Fordjour has joined the ranks of artists giving back. He has unveiled a magnificent 4,466-square-foot art space in his hometown of Memphis, named Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM). This new facility is dedicated to nurturing young visual artists from underprivileged communities while amplifying Memphis's dynamic arts scene. Fordjour, whose works are highly regarded and featured in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum, the Guggenheim, LACMA, and the Whitney, among others, recently had a blockbuster show at Petzel Gallery. When speaking to Observer, Fordjour attributed his own journey - from Memphis, through a Skowhegan rejection, to becoming a celebrated artist - as the driving force behind CAM. "I had the idea for several years, to be honest," he said. "Back then, I had to apply to Skowhegan to study art, but I didn't get in. For a long time, I've been thinking, how amazing it would be if a program like this existed in a place like Memphis or somewhere nearby?"Derek Fordjour with Memphis mayor Paul Young, Steve Cohen (U.S. Representative from Tennessee's 9th district), CAM executive director Derek Patterson, and 2022 CAM Fellow Deja Bowen. Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM)Before embarking on this ambitious initiative, Fordjour took careful steps to ensure the project would effectively meet the needs of the Memphis community. "I first engaged with local consultant Adrian Johnson Williams, who assisted me in recruiting another advisor named Christy Gilmore," he explained. "The three of us worked together to bring together local high school art teachers to ask all the relevant questions and determine if they believed a project like this would be beneficial for students." This collaborative approach laid the groundwork for CAM, a program that is deeply rooted in the local context but aims to make a significant impact on a larger scale.Founded in 2021 with Fordjour's personal investment, CAM launched its flagship Summer Fellowship - a free, four-week program specifically designed for rising juniors and seniors. Selected by a jury comprising two internationally renowned artists, the program aims to help students prepare for college applications and scholarships."We are focusing on kids who may not always have access to the best resources, and we want to provide them with that," Fordjour said. "In addition to those resources, we want to offer them guidance and mentorship." He emphasized the critical need for such support, noting how visual arts students often get overlooked compared to athletes, dancers, and performers. "At that crucial yet delicate stage of one's life journey and trajectory, there is very little support available," Fordjour observed.The Fellowship selection process is highly rigorous, designed to identify students who have a genuine commitment to art. "They go through two rounds of interviews, and we build a cohort based on that applicant pool," Fordjour explained. "We are looking for art students who are passionate about art and are trying to figure out how to make a career as an artist." Once selected, fellows receive a university-level art education led by local artists as well as guest artists from outside the region. They visit local galleries and museums, and the program offers six transferable college credit hours through the University of Memphis.The fellowship's highlight is a transformative week-long trip to New York City, which exposes students to the inner workings of the art world. During this trip, fellows visit top art schools, world-class museums, and the studios of leading contemporary artists, including luminaries like Lorna Simpson and Aliza Nisenbaum. "We want to give them an accurate and realistic view of what life as an artist is like," Fordjour said. "They also interact with dealers and even visit collectors' homes, so they gain a comprehensive 360-degree perspective of the art system."2022 CAM Fellow Deja Bowen with Derek Fordjour’s Front Turn Double. Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM)Now housed in a permanent, purpose-built space designed by architect Lester Ferdinand with interiors by Avni Pathak and artistic contributions from Desmond Lewis, Contemporary Arts Memphis is well-positioned to nurture a new generation of regional artists through a comprehensive year-long program. "With the opening of our new space, we can serve more young artists more consistently," says Fordjour. "Our goal has always been to make our facilities widely accessible to young people in Memphis who are committed to the visual arts."The new center, as Fordjour told Observer, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support a wide range of artistic practices. It features painting and sculpture studios, a computer lab, ceramics kilns, exhibition spaces, and dedicated art storage. Additionally, the Teen Lab provides open access for local students who may not be part of the formal program. "They can access our instruction, free supplies, and all of our Open Studios," Fordjour said, highlighting the initiative's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.As Memphis's first art-focused organization of this scale, CAM is now collaborating with key institutions like the University of Memphis Department of Art and Design, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Dixon Gallery & Gardens, and Metal Museum. "Due to the increasing costs of education, the barriers to entering the field of art are becoming more restrictive," Fordjour said. "CAM aims to level the playing field and provide equal access to quality art education. Our new space significantly expands our ability to achieve this goal." With this ambitious expansion, CAM is firmly establishing itself as a transformative force in Memphis's creative and cultural landscape.Shelby County commissioner Shante Avant, U.S. Representative Steve Cohen, CAM founder Derek Fordjour, CAM Fellow Deja Bowen, Memphis City Councilwoman Michaelyn Easter-Thomas, Shelby County commissioner Miska Clay-Bibbs, Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green, State Senator Raumesh Akbari, Shelby County commissioner Mickell Lowery, and State Senator London Lamar. Contemporary Arts Memphis (CAM)