Paint Memphis Appeals Court Decision, Faces Underpayment Allegations - Articles

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Paint Memphis Appeals Court Decision, Faces Underpayment Allegations

Posted by: Azya Thornton on Feb 28, 2025

Paint Memphis, a nonprofit known for transforming a city corner with its annual mural fest, has appealed a court ruling that found it failed to fully pay two former co-directors for six months of work. A judge in Shelby County General Sessions Court ruled earlier this month that Paint Memphis must pay the former co-directors a combined $5,720 for their work from October 2023 to April 2024, the Daily Memphian reports. The organization is now appealing the ruling, and a new trial, including consideration of evidence, is expected to start over. A court date has yet to be set. In related news, Paint Memphis also faces allegations of failing to fully comply with its agreement with South Arts, an Atlanta-based funder. South Arts has provided $7,500 annually to Paint Memphis for the past three years to pay the lead artist, with Paint Memphis agreeing to match the amount in some years. However, several artists have reported being underpaid.