News Summary
The city of Knoxville has unveiled ‘Pier865’, a new art installation that is set to become a cultural landmark in downtown. With a budget surpassing $1 million, this innovative piece designed by Marc Fornes features a futuristic canopy made from interlocking aluminum. It aims to enhance community interaction and has begun hosting various performances, marking its place as a vibrant community hub.
New Art Installation ‘Pier865’ Unveiled in Downtown Knoxville
A new art installation has officially been completed in downtown Knoxville, marking a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape. Named Pier865, the project represents the most expensive permanent piece of public art in Knoxville, with a total cost exceeding $1 million.
Pier865 has been in development for over seven years and features a striking design by Marc Fornes and his Brooklyn-based studio, THEVERYMANY. The artwork showcases a sweeping, futuristic canopy made from curved, interlocking aluminum pieces that form large-scale arches perched atop a concrete pier. This installation is situated in the Cradle of Country Music Park, located off the 100 block of Gay Street.
The city of Knoxville initiated this project with the intention of creating a physical and social connection between the northern and southern parts of Gay Street, enhancing the community’s interaction with the downtown area. The selection process for the piece began in 2018 when a national call for public art proposals was issued, which garnered over 120 submissions. A public art selection committee ultimately chose the final concept later that same year, citing its thoughtfulness and uniqueness as distinguishing factors.
In May, the artist conducted a final site assessment before the installation was completed. Since its unveiling, Pier865 has sparked discussions on social media platforms regarding various aspects such as its aesthetics, funding, and the selection process. Public art often invites scrutiny and varying opinions about its appeal, with observers noting that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Despite mixed reactions, the installation has already begun to foster a sense of community, serving as a gathering space for performances and cultural events.
Impact on the Community
According to the executive director of the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, the installation has quickly begun to host a variety of community performances. This interactive aspect aligns with the city’s vision for Pier865 as a vibrant cultural hub. Plans are already underway to enhance the visibility of the installation during nighttime through additional lighting.
The East Tennessee Development District intends to formally recognize the city’s efforts in completing this ambitious project, which is considered a transformative addition to Knoxville’s evolving downtown scene. Community members have expressed enthusiasm as they witness different types of performances, from music acts to cultural gatherings, taking place at this newly established venue.
Pier865 represents a significant departure from the “sameness” that often characterizes public art in Knoxville. Advocates for the project highlight its novelty as a crucial element that distinguishes it from other art pieces in the city. As Knoxville continues to grow and evolve, installations like Pier865 not only beautify the city but also enrich its cultural tapestry, offering residents and visitors alike a new way to experience the community.
As discussions surrounding the installation evolve, it is clear that Pier865 stands poised to become an enduring symbol of community connection and artistic expression in Knoxville.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Completes Cradle of Country Music Art Piece
- WATE: $1.2M Art Project in Downtown Knoxville Park Complete
- Inside of Knoxville: Krutch Park Extension Springs to Life with New Art Installation
- Knox News: Knoxville Mural Project – Knoxwalls Public Art to Emory Place
- Knox TN Today: Internationally Renowned Muralists Leave Mark on North Knoxville
- Wikipedia: Public Art
- Google Search: Knoxville Art Installations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Art
- Google News: Knoxville Public Art
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
