If you’ve been reading the Hey Nashville newsletter, you’ve probably heard about the Metro Arts funding chaos: Artists denied funding after receiving grants, Metro Arts Director Daniel Singh resigning, and questions about how arts funding should be distributed. With Metro Council considering a new plan for distributing its much smaller pool of grant money this year, I decided to chat with Arts Equity Nashville founding member and multidisciplinary artist Christine Hall to learn more about their goals for arts funding in Nashville, and how it can be more equitable.
What is Arts Equity Nashville?
“Arts Equity Nashville (AEN) is a collective of artists and allies working towards equitable arts funding and distribution. Our coalition formed around advocating for 1% of Metro Nashville’s total budget to be dedicated to the arts, with at least half going to smaller organizations and local artists. In 2024, we stepped it up, asking for 50% of this money to go to Thrive, the only program with demographics that match Nashville.”
What do you think about the grants plan for 2025?
“Since 1987, 10 organizations have received nearly 70% of Metro Arts’ grant funding. AEN’s proposal for FY25 — based on community feedback — aims to distribute these tax dollars more equitably. The Arts Commission’s criteria are not in line with equity and did not incorporate previous community input or feedback from their own engagement sessions this year. We recommend fully funding Thrive; closing the disparity gap with a funding cap for the largest organizations; no flat funding models; extending reporting; and not requiring fiscal sponsorship for Thrive.”
What are your hopes for the future of arts funding in Nashville?
“Our hope is that Nashville artists are respected, and can create with dignity. Funding needs to go to artists who have been historically excluded to correct the historical inequities of Metro Arts, and at the very least, match the tax base. We envision a Nashville that is strengthened through community-centric policies, not just a haven for tourists or market fads. To ensure a democratic city, built for and by the people, we demand equitable pay and power in decision-making at arts institutions, with more platforms and direct funding for Nashvillians to create, connect, and thrive.”
