Rep. Ron Travis congratulates Tennessee Arts Commission Grant recipients

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, is congratulating recipients for receiving a combined $76,400 in grant funding through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Rural Arts Project Support Grant program.

Funding for the Rural Arts Project Support Grant is part of a $13.8 million budget appropriation approved by members of the Tennessee General Assembly for the 2026-27 fiscal year for the sole purpose of supporting art projects and activities across all disciplines that focus on community vitality in the Volunteer State’s rural communities.

“I’m grateful to the Tennessee Arts Commission for investing in programs that support the unique character of Tennessee’s rural communities. The organizations awarded grants are creating invaluable opportunities for residents to connect through the arts, celebrate local culture and strengthen the communities they call home.

“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 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 following organizations have been awarded Rural Arts Project Support grants:

• The City of Pikeville – $17,200
• Friends of Fall Creek Falls State Parks – $17,000
• Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation – $16,000
• Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement – $15,000
• Valley Fest, Inc. – $11,200

Grant applications are evaluated through a competitive review process that includes citizen advisory panels with expertise in various artistic disciplines, followed by review and approval by the full Tennessee Arts Commission.
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 in 19 Annual and Rolling Grant categories. Other grant opportunities are offered throughout the year for qualifying organizations, including the Arts Build Communities grant and Student Ticket Subsidy. Additional information on grant programs offered by the Commission is available at TnArtsCommission.org.

Rep. Travis represents District 31, which includes Bledsoe, Rhea, Sequatchie and Van Buren Counties.

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