The local arts are getting another boost, this time to the tune of a cool $450,000.
Eighteen local organizations are set to benefit from the investment thanks to a partnership between ArtsMemphis — the primary arts funder for Memphis and Shelby County — and First Horizon Foundation.
“Arts organizations have persevered during this pandemic and, as a result, have uncovered new, innovative ways to engage audiences and create works we can all appreciate,” said Bo Allen, regional president for First Horizon. “We’re proud to partner with the arts community to help bring their programs and productions to life.”
The grant is part of ArtsMemphis’ ArtsFirst program, which aims to promote excellence and enrichment in the arts throughout Memphis and Shelby County. Since the program was founded in 2012, it has raised more than $4 million for 43 local arts organizations.
“Our city and county’s vibrancy in the arts would not be possible without corporate generosity,” said Elizabeth Rouse, president and CEO of ArtsMemphis. “First Horizon Foundation’s leadership and support of ArtsMemphis and arts organizations has been transformative. We are honored to celebrate 10 years of the ArtsFirst program and grateful for their investment to enable a powerful return of the arts this year. It’s an honor to work alongside their team to administer this unique grant program.”
Read the full list of ArtsFirst grant recipients and accompanying programs below:
- Arrow Creative | Youth Summer Camp Scholarships
- Ballet Memphis | Ballet Memphis Midtown Campaign
- Carpenter Art Garden | Mosaic Program
- Collage Dance Collective | Breaking Through Campaign
- Creative Aging Memphis | Operating Support
- Crosstown Arts | Crosstown Theater
- Dixon Gallery and Gardens | Black Artists in America: 1929-1954
- GPAC | The Grove at GPAC
- Hattiloo Theatre | Sensory Friendly Shows
- Levitt Shell | Operating Support
- New Ballet Ensemble & School |Springloaded Gala 2021
- Opera Memphis | Company Artists Sponsorships
- Orpheum Theatre Group | Annual Auction
- Soulsville Foundation | Stax Music Academy’s Music Career Fair and Spring Showcase
- Tennessee Shakespeare Company | Season Sponsorship
- The CLTV |Juneteenth Gala
- Theatre Memphis | Season Sponsorship
- UrbanArt Commission | Revisiting and Responding Project