State Senator Steve Southerland announced this week grant award recipients in Greene County from the Tennessee Arts Commission for Fiscal Year 2026, which runs July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. This is the first of a series of grants that will be made throughout FY2026.
The grants awarded in Greene County, totaling $62,950, are going to:
● Appalachian Auditorium at St. James- $9,500
● George Clem Multicultural Alliance – $6,600
● Niswonger Performing Arts Center – $35,000
● Tusculum University – $7,800
● First Presbyterian Church – $4,050
“Investing in the arts is investing in the heart of Greene County,” said Senator Steve Southerland. “These grants will support our local organizations that enrich our community’s culture, create economic opportunities, and enhance quality of life for all residents. I’m proud to help bring these resources to
Greene County and encourage everyone to experience the vibrant arts 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 $12.3 million dollars in 18 Annual and Rolling Grant categories. These funds have a direct impact on communities across Tennessee, in both urban and
rural areas.
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 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 $1.4 billion in annual economic activity and strengthens 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.
