State Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, today announced arts organizations in Carroll and Gibson counties will receive a combined $48,700 in state funding to support education and outreach programs. Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon will receive $40,000 while the Nite Lite Theatre in Trenton will receive $8,700. The Tennessee Arts Commission administers the grants. […]
State Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, today announced arts organizations in Carroll and Gibson counties will receive a combined $48,700 in state funding to support education and outreach programs.
Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon will receive $40,000 while the Nite Lite Theatre in Trenton will receive $8,700. The Tennessee Arts Commission administers the grants.
“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening communities through the arts,” Martin said. “Investing in local creative programs not only supports education and tourism but also helps preserve the unique culture that makes West Tennessee special.”
The funding is part of $12.3 million allocated by the Tennessee General Assembly in the state’s 2025-26 budget for arts initiatives across all 95 counties.
“Tennessee is fortunate to be a state where few can rival the breadth and depth of its arts and culture,” 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 selects grant recipients through a competitive review process that includes input from citizen advisory panels with expertise in various arts disciplines.
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 plays a key role in education, tourism and community development.
For information about arts grant programs, visit tnartscommission.org.