Jackson Featured on USA Today: Top 10 Best City in Street Art

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Hub City is recognized nationally for a second time in creativity. If you take some time to look around while you’re out and about. It’s no doubt the artists are main the characters.

‘Our Jackson Home’ announces artists and projects for 2026. In partnership with the City of Jackson, new public art in Downtown Jackson will feature seven different artists in West Tennessee.

Projects for the year include a mural on ‘The Ned’, a roadway mural on Royal Street, two temporary alley murals, a sidewalk mural outside ‘The Carnegie’ and a archway sculpture on Highland Avenue.

“We have a designated arts district downtown, so we’re going to have lots of new public art installations that they are already working on. They’re in the process of getting their signs finalized and supplies gathered. We’re about to install them here in the next few months,” said Lizzie Emmonds, program director for ‘Our Jackson Home.’

All the new art will be featured in different parts of Downtown Jackson just like a mural at The Amp. The Hub City has a lot to be proud of as the fourth best city in the country by USA Today’s 10Best for street art.

“Any art that you can see from the street… We are the fourth best city for street art in the entire country,” said Emmonds.

According to Emmonds, it’s been proven that traffic slows, people feel more comfortable walking and ultimately safer in those creative public spaces. Visuals, innovation, and inspiration is key.

“There’s a lot of benefits from public art. It’s not just beautification. Of course, that’s really what we want is for Jackson to be beautiful, and have our artists have this exterior form of their artwork on display here in Jackson. But, it also drives tourism. It’s a big deal that we were named 4th best city for street art,” said Emmonds.

Local artists assigned to this art initiative include Samantha Wood, Cari Griffith, Patricia Santos, Ashley Akerson, Katie Howerton Hilary Griffith, and Suzy Hendrix.

“Most of the public art that you see around Jackson is created by Jackson artists or West Tennessee artists,” said Emmonds.

Opportunities are coming up for a chance to get the community involved. You can help install the art work with the artists on new projects underway in Jackson. There will be an open call for volunteers soon. Be on the lookout and keep up with ‘Our Jackson Home.’