NASHVILLE, TN – Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) and State Senators Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) and Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) announced that 25 organizations Knox County have been awarded a combined $563,010 in grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission. In addition, three arts fellowships were awarded to individuals. This is the first in a series of grants benefitting nonprofit arts organizations in Tennessee.
“Congratulations to the many organizations receiving these grants,” said Lt. Governor McNally. “This investment in Knoxville provides our children with a more complete education, stimulates economic development and helps attract tourists to our state."
“I’m sure these organizations will make the most of the opportunities created by this funding in the upcoming year,” said Senator Briggs. “The dedication of these organizations to arts, creativity and culture enhances our community, and I am proud to join them in calling Knoxville home.”
“We thank the Tennessee Arts Commission for its investment in our community,” said Senator Massey, who serves as Chair of the General Assembly’s Arts Caucus. “Knox County fared very well with these grants. Arts programs are important to Knoxville’s cultural, economic and educational development. These grants will help continue the promoting the community’s rich heritage.”
Major grants include $76,800 to the Knoxville Museum of Art, $71,000 to the Knoxville Opera, $84,910 to the Arts and Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, and $74,900 to the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Other recipients include Asian Culture Center, Big Ears Festival, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Community School of the Arts, Cumberland Communities Communications/WDVX Radio, Dogwood Arts, East Tennessee Community Design Center, Friends of Knox County Public Library, Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, HoLa Hora Latina, Joy of Music Youth Music School, Jubilee Community Arts, Knoxville Children’s Theatre, Knoxville Handel Society, Tennessee Folklore Society, Tennessee Stage Company, University of Tennessee, YWCA Knoxville, Dragonfly Aerial and Circus Arts Studio, Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble, and The Muse Knoxville. The three individuals receiving Arts Fellowships are Diane Fox, Paul Harrill and Jered Sprecher.
“Tennessee is fortunate to have elected leaders who understand the positive impact the arts and culture have on Tennesseans and their communities,” said Anne B. Pope, Executive Director for the Tennessee Arts Commission. “The arts are a vital tool for attraction and retention of businesses, and help build stronger communities by enhancing the distinctive character of Tennessee places.”
Other grant opportunities are offered throughout the year for qualifying organizations and individuals, including Arts Education Teacher Incentives and Student Ticket Subsidy. These grants are allocated after being reviewed by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and a final review by the full Arts Commission. The Arts Commission will award approximately 1,000 grants during fiscal year 2020, totaling more than $6.5 million.
