Multiple organizations in Hamblen County have been awarded grants totaling $209,080 from the Tennessee Arts Commission for Fiscal Year 2027 that begins July 1, 2026 and ends June 30, 2027.

The grants announced are a first in a series of grants that the Commission will award throughout FY 2027.

Hamblen County grant recipients are:

• Encore Theatrical Company – $15,750
• HOLA Lakeway – $11,900
• Rose Center Council for the Arts – $42,540
• Rose Center Council for the Arts – $117,850
• Rose Center Council for the Arts – $21,040

“The arts play an important role in strengthening communities, supporting local economies, and enriching the lives of Tennesseans,” said State Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown). “These investments in Hamblen County organizations will help expand opportunities for creativity, education, and cultural engagement while continuing to showcase the unique character of our region.”

“Hamblen County is fortunate to have organizations that preserve and promote arts and culture throughout our community,” said State Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) and State Rep. Rick Eldridge (R-Morristown). “We look forward to seeing how these grants will benefit local residents and support the important work these organizations do. Thank you to the leaders at the Tennessee Arts Commission for their continued support.”

“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 https://tnartscommission.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com.