State Representative Ron Travis
State Representative Ron Travis today announced arts organizations in Bledsoe, Rhea, Sequatchie and Van Buren counties will receive a total of $62,200 in state grants to support educational and outreach initiatives.
The Tennessee Arts Commission administers the grants.
Funding recipients include:
• City of Pikeville: $10,900;
• Friends of Fall Creek Falls State Park: $15,900;
• Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation: $13,500;
• Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement: $12,800; and
• Valley Fest: $9,100.
“This funding will strengthen our communities by supporting the organizations that enrich our culture and inspire creativity,” Rep.
Travis said. “These investments will make a lasting impact on education, tourism and the quality of life in our region.”
The funding is part of the $12.3 million allocated by the Tennessee General Assembly in the state’s 2025-26 budget to support arts initiatives in all 95 counties.
“Tennessee is fortunate to be a state where few can rival the breadth and depth of its arts and culture,” said Anne B. Pope, executive director of the Tennessee Arts Commission. “Arts and culture are vital tools for attracting and retaining businesses, and help build stronger communities by enhancing the distinctive character of Tennessee places.”
The commission awards grants through a competitive process that includes evaluation by citizen advisory panels with expertise in various arts disciplines and final approval by commission members.
Tennessee’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generates $1.4 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 23,400 full-time equivalent jobs and plays a key role in education, tourism and community development, officials said.
For information, visit tnartscommission.org.