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, 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.

We build better communities by:

•  Investing public dollars in Tennessee's nonprofit arts industry.
•  Providing services to citizens, artists and arts organizations.
•  Undertaking initiatives that enhance Tennessee 's cultural life.

These activities give Tennessee citizens a better quality of life, provide our children
with a more complete education and attract tourists to our state.