About Us

The Tennessee Arts Commission mission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of Tennesseans and their communities.

When the Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967 (TCA 4-20-101), it was given a special mandate by the General Assembly to stimulate and encourage the presentation of performing, visual and literary arts throughout the state and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. Through a variety of programs, the Commission has encouraged excellence in artistic expression through the state's artists and arts organizations. That commitment has continued to expand through the years to ensure that the citizens of Tennessee have access to, and the opportunity to participate in the arts.

The Tennessee Arts Commission builds better communities by:

  • Investing in Tennessee’s nonprofit arts industry to enhance cultural life
  • Serving citizens, artists and arts and cultural organizations
  • Supporting arts education to increase student outcomes
  • Undertaking initiatives that address public needs through the arts

Each year, the Commission helps fund the arts activities of more than 700 organizations and artists in Tennessee. Over the past five years, more than 6,450 grants totaling more than $30 million have been invested in communities across Tennessee. Of the $5.2 million granted by the Commission in FY2017, $4.5 million came from specialty license plate fees earmarked to benefit the arts. Additionally, the Commission receives a state appropriation and federal funding, namely from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Arts education is a major focus, both to support a complete and balanced education for Tennessee’s children and youth and to grow the arts audiences of the future. Arts education grants and programs enhance academic achievement and contribute to student growth and life-long learning. Through Student Ticket Subsidy grants to schools alone, more than 590,000 students have had an arts experience over the past five years.

The Governor appoints the 15 volunteer members of the Tennessee Arts Commission for five-year terms, selecting from among citizens who have demonstrated a vital interest in the arts. Recommended by the Commission to the Governor for appointment, the Executive Director is the lead administrative officer, responsible for engaging a professional staff to carry out the work of the agency.