NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, today announced $51,650 in funding for local arts organizations to expand educational and outreach programs.
The awards, administered through the Tennessee Arts Commission, are part of $12.3 million approved by the General Assembly in the 2025-26 budget to support the arts in communities across the Volunteer State.
"Rutherford County is an excellent place to live, work and raise a family because of our friendly people, vibrant culture and strong community fabric," said Sparks. "Carpe Artista and the Tennessee Theatre Educators Association play a significant role the success of Smyrna and the Volunteer State. These grants will help the organizations continue their important work supporting students, educators and all Tennesseans."
The following grants were awarded to organizations in Smyrna:
- Tennessee Theatre Educators Association: $6,000 to support an annual statewide conference for high school students and theater educators, to include workshops, performances and training
- Carpe Artista: $7,480 to support a 12-week songwriting therapy program for military veterans
- Carpe Artista: $11,170 to expand student theater programming by supporting a music theater director salary
- Carpe Artista: $12,000 for the second phase of a community mural in Smyrna's Depot District, to include extended mural panels, sidewalk art, LED lighting and public art trail signage
- Carpe Artista: $15,000 for operating support for the organization
Carpe Artista, founded by CEO Ron Alley, seeks to provide a foundation for the next generation to impact culture through arts. The Tennessee Theatre Educators Association, led by Stewarts Creek High School Theater Director Donald Fann, advocates for and empowers theater teachers across the Volunteer State.
The allocation process for the Art Commission's grants includes a review by citizen advisory panels with experts in various arts disciplines and a review by the full commission.
Sparks has highlighted the importance of the arts in his legislative work, passing resolutions in two General Assemblies designating Music Therapy Week in Tennessee to celebrate and promote the industry's important work.
"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 Volunteer State's arts and culture industry generates $1.4 billion in annual economic activity and supports over 23,400 full-time equivalent jobs. Additional information on arts grant programs is available at tnartscommission.org.
State Rep. Mike Sparks represents District 49 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Rutherford County.
