State Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) and Rep. David Hawk (R-Greeneville) announced multiple organizations in Greene County have been awarded grants totaling $72,000 from the Tennessee Arts Commission for Fiscal Year 2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). This is the first in a series of grants the Commission will award throughout FY2027.
The Greene County grant recipients are:
– George Clem Multicultural Alliance – $7,070
– Greene County Partnership Foundation – $9,230
– Niswonger Performing Arts Center – $48,500
– Tusculum University – $7,200
“Investing in local arts organizations helps strengthen our communities, support economic growth, and preserve the values and traditions that make Tennessee unique,” said Southerland. “These grants will help Greene County organizations continue creating opportunities that benefit families, encourage tourism, and improve quality of life across the region.”
“I’m proud to see these deserving organizations receive support through the Tennessee Arts Commission. These grants represent an investment not only in the arts, but in the cultural identity and economic vitality of Greene County,” said Hawk. “Organizations like these help bring communities
together, create opportunities for young people, support local tourism and preserve the traditions that make our region unique.”
“Tennessee is fortunate to be a state where few can rival the breadth and depth of its arts and culture. Tennessee boasts a unique array of artistic and cultural assets,” 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.”
The Commission anticipates awarding approximately 1,000 grants in both rural and urban communities in all 95 counties of the state during the year, totaling up to $13.8 million dollars in 19 Annual and Rolling Grant categories. These funds have a direct impact on communities across Tennessee, in both urban and rural areas.
The Commission’s grant allocation process includes reviews by citizen advisory panels with expertise across multiple artistic disciplines, followed by review from the full Commission. Additional grant opportunities are offered throughout the year for qualifying organizations, including Arts Build
Communities grants and Student Ticket Subsidy grants.
Tennessee’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $1.4 billion in annual economic activity and supports quality of life, tourism, economic growth, and arts education opportunities for Tennesseans of all ages.
For more information on Tennessee Arts Commission programs and grant opportunities, visit their website.
