State Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R-Collierville, today announced New Day Children’s Theater in Collierville will receive a $5,700 state grant to support arts education and community outreach initiatives. The grant is part of $12.3 million in state funding approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in the 2025-26 budget to support arts programs across all 95 counties. […]
State Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R-Collierville, today announced New Day Children’s Theater in Collierville will receive a $5,700 state grant to support arts education and community outreach initiatives.
The grant is part of $12.3 million in state funding approved by the Tennessee General Assembly in the 2025-26 budget to support arts programs across all 95 counties. The Tennessee Arts Commission administers the funds.
“This grant will help provide more opportunities for young people in our community to engage with the arts and express themselves creatively,” Vaughan said. “Programs like these are essential to building strong communities and supporting local talent.”
The Arts Commission awards grants through a competitive process that includes evaluation by citizen advisory panels with expertise in various disciplines, followed by approval from the full commission.
“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.”
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 economic development statewide.
For information about the Tennessee Arts Commission’s grant programs, visit tnartscommission.org.