Senator Walley announces 2023-2024 Tennessee Arts Commission grants for Hardeman County organizations

Area nonprofit organizations, schools and local governments have been awarded grants through the Tennessee Arts Commission

NASHVILLE -- Senator Page Walley is pleased to announce the city of Bolivar and the Hardeman County Arts Council are receiving grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission. Bolivar is receiving $66,940 and the Hardeman County Arts Council is receiving $100,000. These are part of a series of grants that will be made throughout FY2024.

“I am very pleased to announce these annual grants that support Tennessee’s communities and schools through the arts” said Walley. “These investments help cultivate the arts across Tennessee, including Hardeman County, which benefit all of us through quality of life, economic development and tourism.” 

“Tennessee is fortunate to have elected leaders who understand the positive impact arts and culture have on Tennesseans and their communities,” said Anne B. Pope, Executive Director for 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.” 

According to Pope, the Commission expects to award approximately 1,000 grants in both rural and urban communities in all 95 counties of the state during the year, totaling up to $13.3 million dollars in 21 Annual and Rolling Grant categories. These funds have a direct impact on communities across Tennessee, in both urban and rural areas. The $13.3 includes recurring state or federal funding only. These grants do not include additional one-time pandemic-related relief such as TN Nonprofit Arts & Culture Recovery Fund. 

The Commission’s allocations process involves a review by citizen advisory panels with expertise in various arts disciplines and a review by the full Commission. Other grant opportunities are offered throughout the year with rolling deadlines for qualifying organizations including grants for Arts Build Communities and Student Ticket Subsidy. Additional information on grant programs offered by the Commission is available at tnartscommission.org. 

Tennessee’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $1.17 billion in annual economic activity through quality of life, economic vitality, tourism, and arts learning for people of all ages. The Tennessee Arts Commission is the state arts agency whose mission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities.