Arts Build

06/01/2026

🎉 As we begin to close out another fiscal year, we're proud to celebrate investing $905,025 in support of artists and arts organizations throughout Chattanooga and Hamilton County.

Over the past fiscal year, ArtsBuild funded 102 artist-led projects and provided critical operating support to 21 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, helping bring more arts to more places for more people.

These investments do more than support creativity. According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, Hamilton County's nonprofit arts and culture sector generates more than $191 million in annual economic activity, supports 3,120 jobs, and produces more than $122 million in personal income for local residents. Arts audiences also spend more than $97 million annually at local restaurants, shops, hotels, and other businesses.

We're especially excited about the upcoming America 250 projects that will invite residents to explore, celebrate, and reflect on the stories that have shaped our community and nation.

As Holly Morse-Ellington of Next Exit Productions shared:

"With the support from ArtsBuild, our Cast Iron Storytelling series is able to compensate community participants, create welcoming spaces for connection and dialogue, and continue building programs that strengthen Chattanooga through true, regional stories. Our Volunteer: America 250 event is an opportunity to honor memories and experiences of Chattanoogans for generations to come."

Thank you to the National Endowment for the Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, Mark Making, Robert Finley Stone Foundation, Footprint Foundation, Lyndhurst Foundation, the City of Chattanooga, and our generous individual donors for making this work possible.

Together, we're building a stronger economy, richer quality of life, and more connected community through the arts. 🎨❤️

Support ArtsBuild at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/aaogc/

06/01/2026

Come out and advocate that Arts Build funding be restored to $270,000. Over the past 12 months, ArtsBuild funded 102 artist-led projects and provided critical operating support to 21 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, helping bring more arts to more places for more people.

These investments do more than support creativity. According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, Hamilton County's nonprofit arts and culture sector generates more than $191 million in annual economic activity, supports 3,120 jobs, and produces more than $122 million in personal income for local residents. Arts audiences also spend more than $97 million annually at local restaurants, shops, hotels, and other businesses.

Chattanooga’s FY27 proposed budget totals $393 million, marking a 14% increase from the previous year, with a focus on public safety, infrastructure, and a 3% pay raise for first responders and city employees.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Sharing this opportunity for Native artists. The is now accepting applications for the 2026 Emerging Native Artist Grant through June 18th.

Created to support early-career Native and Indigenous artists, exploring the intersection of tradition and innovation in the following mediums: 2D visual arts, 3D visual arts, time-based media, multi-disciplinary arts, and traditional arts with an innovative approach.

05/30/2026

Coolidge Park is set to become a scene of old-world merrymaking next month during Chattanooga's first renaissance fair.

05/30/2026

Today!

Our art supply thrift store is slated to open at the end of June and this Saturday, we're hosting a donation drive!

Pop by from 10am to 2pm to drop off your barely used art supplies and stick around to chill and make some art with us.

❗️ Donation guidelines: https://bit.ly/3Qb4aYZ
❗️ RSVP for the drive: thechattery.org/classes/art-supply-donation-drive

05/29/2026

https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/may/28/chattanooga-lookouts-partner-with-tivoli-theatre/ #/questions

More than just baseball is coming to Erlanger Park in the near future.

05/28/2026

Join members of Council and the Mayor's team for a discussion about the Mayor's proposed budget.

Monday, June 1st, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library, 1001 Broad St.

Thursday, June 4th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Carol Berz Family Justice Center, 5705 Uptain Road, Suite A

Sunday, June 14th, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Hixson Community Center, 5401 School Road.

05/28/2026

Roll into Black Music Month with us at Soul Roll, presented by and the City of Chattanooga’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, featuring sounds by DJ Nippy F. ( )

Join us June 5 from 6–9:30 PM at 3333 St. Elmo Ave. for a free, family-friendly night celebrating music, community, and skating culture.

Free skate rentals will be available for the first 30 people, so come early and roll with us.