Breaking Ground 121: Annual Arts Issue

Art connects us. It bridges communities, captures emotions that words can’t always express, and reminds us that every voice matters - especially those that have often been left out of the conversation. This special edition of Breaking Ground is a celebration of that connection.

In Issue 121, you'll find powerful artwork, personal stories, poetry, and reflections from Tennesseans with disabilities across the state. These pieces explore themes of creativity, healing, identity, inclusion, and self-expression. From the vivid digital illustrations of our cover artist Cave Spider to stories of perseverance in publishing, poetry as healing, and inclusive theater, this issue lifts up the rich talent and experiences of artists who are using their work to reflect the world around them—and reshape it.

We’re proud to collaborate again with Borderless Arts Tennessee and the Tennessee Arts Commission to share this edition with you. Whether you're an artist, advocate, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of diverse perspectives, we invite you to explore these stories and artworks—and to see the many ways the arts continue to empower and unite our community.

^{Learn more about the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. 615.532.6615 | www.tn.gov/cdd | Facebook | Tnddc@tn.gov}

^{Subscriptions to Breaking Ground are free and available through the Council website. Visit tn.gov/cdd to subscribe or contact us by phone or email with subscription updates or requests, and please include name and mailing or email address. This project was supported in part by grant number 2101TNSCDD, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.}