State Rep. Ron Travis (R-Dayton) on Tuesday announced that the Tennessee Arts Commission has awarded two grants totaling $12,040 to organizations within Rhea and Sequatchie Counties for the 2020 fiscal year.
The monies are allocated based upon recommendations made by citizen advisory panels comprised of Tennesseans with expertise in the appropriate arts disciplines, as well as a review conducted by the full 15-member Arts Commission.
They are the first in a series of awards that will be made by the TAC. Amounts and recipients in House District 31 include: $6,510 for Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation and $5,530 for Valley Fest, Inc.
“I’m very pleased to announce these investments in arts programs and facilities for our local communities in Rhea and Sequatchie counties,” said Rep. Travis. “Local arts programs and facilities help promote and increase the quality of life, tourism and education. I thank the TAC for their strong support in our region as this funding will help our future leaders grow to value the arts.”
“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.”
According to Ms. Pope, the Commission will award approximately 1,000 grants during FY2020, totaling more than $6.5 million. These funds have a direct impact on communities across Tennessee, in both urban and rural areas. Grant categories include Arts Access, Arts Education, Arts Project Support, Creative Placemaking, Partnership Support, Individual Artist Fellowships, Major Cultural Institutions, Cultural Education Partnership and Rural Arts Partnership.
The Commission’s allocations process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate arts disciplines and a review by the full 15-member Commission.
Other grant opportunities are offered throughout the year with rolling deadlines for qualifying organizations and individuals. They include Arts Build Communities grants, Arts Education Teacher Incentives, Student Ticket Subsidy, Technical Assistance support, Special Opportunities, Touring grants, and Professional Development support. Additional information on grant programs offered by the Commission is available at tnartscommission.org.
The Commission is the state arts agency whose mission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities.