NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, R-East Brainerd, is congratulating Hamilton County organizations awarded a combined $136,250 through the Tennessee Arts Commission to support projects that promote community enrichment, cultural engagement and access to the arts. Funding for the Tennessee Arts Commission Grant is part of a $13.8 million budget appropriation approved by members of the Tennessee General Assembly for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
“These grants represent an investment in the people and communities that make Southeast Tennessee such a special place to live,” said Helton-Haynes. “The organizations receiving this funding are expanding access to the arts, supporting educational opportunities and creating experiences that strengthen community engagement. I am grateful to the Tennessee Arts Commission for recognizing their important work.”
The following organizations have been awarded grants:
• East Lake Expression Engine – $12,000
• East Lake Expression Engine – $23,000
• Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Inc. – $13,300
• Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Inc. – $12,000
• Pop-up Project – $20,000
• Pop-up Project – $23,900
• Pop-up Project – $22,250
• YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga – $9,800
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. Helton-Haynes represents District 30, which includes part of Hamilton County.