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State Rep. Jerome Moon, R-Maryville, today announced several Blount County-based arts organizations will receive state grants totaling $43,790 to support educational and outreach programs.

Arts for All Tennessee will receive three grants totaling $11,680. The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center will receive $10,100. Maryville College will receive $11,910 and the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont will receive $10,100. The Tennessee Arts Commission administers the grants.

“These grants are a smart investment in the people and organizations that enrich our communities through education, culture and creativity,” Moon said. “Blount County is home to many outstanding arts institutions and I’m proud to see them receive support that will help them continue making a difference.”

The funding is part of $12.3 million included in Tennessee’s 2025-26 state budget passed by the General Assembly to support arts initiatives in both rural and urban communities across all 95 counties. 

“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 commission awards funding through a competitive process that includes evaluation by citizen advisory panels with expertise in various arts disciplines followed by approval from the full commission.

Tennessee’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generates $1.4 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 23,400 full-time equivalent jobs and contributes to education, tourism and community development across the state.

Information about grant programs is available at tnartscommission.org.