Arts Admin

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Last updated: Tue Jul 2, 2024

The Emporium’s upcoming hours are: Mon-Fri 9-5; Tue Jul 2, 9, 16 and 23, 6-9 PM (Jazz Tuesdays). Closed Thu Jul 4. Open First Friday, July 5, 2-9 PM.

ALLIANCE NEWS and REMINDERS

Be part of Penny4Arts for 2024-2025 School Year
This program, coordinated by the Arts & Culture Alliance, gives you the opportunity to attract more children in Knox and surrounding counties to your events/activities by allowing them admission at the cost of $0.01 each with a paying adult. We have coordinated this program for more than a decade. Penny4Arts event(s) be promoted: Chronologically at www.penny4arts.com; Via weekly e-mail blasts to our subscriber list of 3,000+ families; By distribution of 40,000 flyers promoting Penny4Arts (and your organizations) to Knox and surrounding counties’ school children; and through use of hashtags #penny4arts and #arts4all. If your organization would like to participate, please fill out a simple form at https://www.knoxalliance.com/penny-form. Questions: 865-523-7543 or sc@knoxalliance.com

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Wed Jul 10 deadline: Families First Community Grants
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is on a mission to build strong families by connecting Tennesseans to employment, education, and support services. As an administrator of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and related TANF Opportunity Act initiatives, we view our programs as a bridge to help families with low-income in our community gain new levels of independence and self-sufficiency. To reach more families across the state, Tennessee non-profit organizations and entities that share our vision are invited to partner with us through the Families First Community Grant initiative. Non-profit organizations that are interested in pursuing this opportunity are encouraged to review the Families First Community Grants Application Guide in detail and follow instructions to submit an application. https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/tanf-opportunity-act/toa-grant-opportunities/families-first-community-grants.html. Video link to view TN Department of Human Services Grant Opportunities: https://youtu.be/KtdqG0VpbS4

Mon Jul 22 deadline: The Neighborhood Small Grants Program
Strengthens neighborhoods in the City of Knoxville by supporting a wide range of community-based initiatives through grants and technical assistance. The program is aimed at resident-controlled, resident-led, democratically run neighborhood groups such as: neighborhood watch groups, neighborhood associations, neighborhood organizations, tenant associations, and homeowners associations. https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=109562&pageId=1958599

Thu Aug 1 deadline: In These Mountains Project Grants
Offer up to $10,000 in order to support projects that promote sharing, teaching, learning, preserving, documenting, and supporting the continuity of the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. Projects must take place between October 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. This funding program is open to a wide variety of organizations, including community cultural organizations, schools/colleges/universities, libraries, museums, performing arts presenters, community festival organizations, faith-based organizations, etc. https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/these-mountains-project-grants

Thu Aug 1 deadline: Letter of Interest for Cross-Sector Impact Grants Applications
Support collaborations between artists or arts organizations with non-arts organizations in our nine-state region (AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, and TN). Available for up to $15,000 in order to support “arts &…” projects that incorporate the arts across different aspects of a community; for example, eligible themes may be arts and the military, arts and equity, arts and aging, or arts and community revitalization. Eligible projects must be a collaboration between an arts organization or artist and a non-arts organization. The deadline to submit a letter of interest form is Aug 1, and projects must take place between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/cross-sector-impact-grants

Aug 26 deadline: Tennessee State Museum – Capital Maintenance and Improvement Grants
For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, the Tennessee General Assembly included a direct appropriation in the amount of $5 million to the Tennessee State Museum (TSM) “for the sole purpose of providing grants to museums with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or affiliated with a governmental entity for capital maintenance and improvements.” This grant will be facilitated by TSM and is open to museums located in Tennessee. These grants must be used for the capital maintenance and improvements as described in the grant application. Grants will be reviewed until funding is exhausted. Museums may apply for Capital Maintenance or Improvements. Examples of capital grants include but are not limited to: Building improvements; Land improvements; Roof repairs or replacements; HVAC; Accessibility. Successful grant applicants will demonstrate need for a capital project to enhance the organization’s mission. This may include financial need and the geographic diversity of grant awards within the state. Full or partial funding may be awarded. Past awardees are eligible to apply. The Capital Maintenance and Improvement Grant has a minimum amount of $5,000 and a maximum amount of $100,000. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2025. Project reporting requirements will be assigned in the award letter. Grant info: https://tnmuseum.org/grants

Rolling deadline: Tennessee Arts Commission Announces FY25 Creative Aging Tennessee III Grants
Application deadline is 30 days prior to the beginning date of the project activity. This is a Rolling Grant opportunity which means applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are depleted and/or until April 1, 2025. 501c3 nonprofits (including senior centers, libraries, churches, community centers, etc.) and/or governmental entities are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in funding for artist fees, materials for participants, marketing, and salary support for the applying organization. There’s no matching requirement but all applying nonprofit organization must be offered in rural counties or culturally specific communities. Also any artist in FY25 who implements the arts programming must be trained in techniques to enhance older adult learning. This training is virtual and will be offered free of charge in late August 2024. To get on this training list, please contact Kim Johnson, Director of Arts Access, at kim.johnson@tn.gov or 615-532-9797. This will be the only training for FY25 for any programming conducted through this grant between July 1, 2024 – June 1, 2025. https://tnartscommission.org/grants/creative-aging-tennessee-iii/

Rolling deadline: South Arts Express Grants
Available for up to $3,000 in order to support organizations in rural communities presenting Southern guest film directors, visual and performing artists, or poets/writers. Eligible projects must occur between Jul 1, 2024 and Jun 30, 2025. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/express-grants

Rolling deadline: South Arts Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants
Offer eligible organizations up to $1,000 in order to support the professional development needs of Southern presenters, programmers, or curators. These grants can help strengthen program design or increase organizational capacity. Eligible projects must occur between Jul 1, 2024 and Jun 30, 2025. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/professional-development-and-artistic-planning-grants

Rolling deadline: Performing Arts Readiness grants
https://performingartsreadiness.org/grants

First-come, first-served: Special Opportunities – Arts Engage Grant
https://tnartscommission.org/news/special-opportunities-arts-engage-grant-now-open/

FY25 Annual Grant Guidelines from Tennessee Arts Commission Available
https://tnartscommission.org/news/fy25-annual-grant-guidelines-now-available/

Rolling deadline: Giving Relief to Arts & Culture in Emergencies (GRACE) Fund
Greater Knoxville’s GRACE Fund was created by the Arts & Culture Alliance as a confidential resource for local arts and culture workers who are facing financial emergencies and are in critical need of assistance to stay in their homes. GRACE application (PDF)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES and WEBINARS

Mon Jul 15 registration deadline: Strategic Foresight Workshops for Tennessee Organizations on Aug 23
Humanities Tennessee’s Shared Future Lab is hosting a series of free strategic foresight workshops for Tennessee cultural organizations led by Elizabeth Merritt of AAM’s Center for the Future of Museums. We’ll be in Knoxville at the East Tennessee Historical Society on Fri Aug 23, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. The goal of this professional development opportunity is to provide practitioners with tools to imagine the future, manage uncertainty, take action, and integrate foresight into their operations. As the Center for the Future of Museums explains in Strategic Foresight: A Toolkit, “Foresight helps organizations create a portfolio of actions to deploy as needed and identify strategies that may succeed in a wide variety of circumstances.” Humanities Tennessee will also provide participants with the toolkit to take these practices back to their organizations. Free to attend!
Info: https://www.humanitiestennessee.org/core-program-overview/shared-futures-lab/tennessee-strategic-foresight-workshops/
Registration: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HumanitiesTennessee/StrategicForesightWorkshopRegistration

Tue Jul 16, 12-1:30 PM: 100Knoxville Quarterly Workshop: Selling Like An Olympian
Hosted by 100Knoxville and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, sales expert Tavis Bailey will be leading the discussion on finding, nurturing, and closing sales. This lunch and learn event will be hosting at Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, and is part of a quarterly workshop series hosted by 100Knoxville. Specific Sales topics will include: Sales vs. Marketing, Creating, finding, and illustrating Value, Driving new business, How to Close Business, Building and Managing Sales Funnels. Free: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/knoxvilleentrepreneurcenter/1280112

Wed Jul 17, 1-2:30 PM: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of DEI: Backlash, Legal Challenges, and the Future of Philanthropy
The national conversation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has undeniably shifted in recent years. While there’s been a surge in DEI initiatives, a recent backlash has emerged, and the backlash is impacting DEI initiatives politically, legally, and philosophically. This lawsuit has major implications for any nonprofit or philanthropic institution that provides targeted funding to racial and ethnic minorities, women, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Between legislation taking aim at LGBTQIA+ causes and the recent judicial decision regarding Fearless Fund, to loss of state funding for specific causes or communities, to book bans in schools, many nonprofits and philanthropy are in a tricky position! Join us as an esteemed panel discusses this important conversation. This virtual panel discussion dives deep into these complexities and will focus on the political and legal aspects of recent anti-DEI litigation and legislation and what nonprofits need to know about potential litigation. Tiffany Gourley Carter, National Council of Nonprofits, will provide a high-level overview of the recent DEI litigation, followed by a panel discussion to discuss how nonprofits can navigate this uncharted territory. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7Lw8sFHZQ_-5FREA9ev4Bg#/registration

Aug 16 – Oct 25 (six alternating Fridays), 1-5 PM: Development Boot Camp
Intensive Training to Transform Your Fundraising Results. Held at Cancer Support Community East Tennessee, 6204 Baum Drive, Knoxville. Topics include: Relationship Fundraising, Making an Ask, Lucrative Fundraising Events, Successful Capital Campaigns, Writing Great Grants, The Art & Science of Thank You, Your Board as Fundraisers, The Culture of Legacy Giving. With Mary S. Walker, MBA, Nonprofit Speaker and Trainer. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/development-boot-camp-tickets-890582214377

WORKPLACE INFORMATION

Tennessee Arts Commission Teaching Artist Roster
Looking for arts education programming? The Tennessee Arts Commission’s online teaching artist roster is your one-stop shop! This searchable database connects schools, organizations, and other groups with qualified teaching artists and arts groups approved to work on grant-funded Tennessee Arts Commission projects and programs. The roster allows schools, organizations, and other agencies to locate professional teaching artists with educational programming. Artists on the roster are eligible for up to $16,000 (individual artists) or $30,000 (arts organizations) in Student Ticket Subsidy funding through approved projects. The teaching roster makes bringing high-quality arts education to your community easier than ever. Browse the roster today and discover the perfect artist or group to spark your students’ creativity! https://tnartseducation.org/teaching-artist-roster/.

Jul 5-12 deadlines: Submit Summer Editorial Content
Summer is right around the corner. Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s PR team
Press Release – Wellness Getaways/National Wellness Month (in August) – content due Jul 5
Pitch – Dude Ranches in Tennessee – content due Jul 12
Pitch – Fall Festivals – content due Jul 12
Email submissions to press@tnvacation.com. View the full editorial calendar at https://industry.tnvacation.com/public-relations/submit-story-ideas.

Register Your Events with the Tennessee STEAM Festival by Sep 1
Join the festival as an event host during the two weeks of the festival, Oct 11-27, 2024. The goal of the Tennessee STEAM Festival is two-fold: to demonstrate how the aspects of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) exist all around us in the world every day in unique ways AND to showcase how these concepts are used in a variety of careers. It’s a celebration and exploration of our passions and a chance to share them with others. Registering for the Tennessee STEAM Festival is completely free, gives you access to our host kit (digital tools for helping to market your event), and means that your event will be included on the official STEAM Festival website and program guide (as long as your event is submitted before the cut-off date for the printed program guide). To be included in the printed festival guide, you MUST submit your event by Sep 1. You may submit events past this date and they will be added to the website. https://www.tnsteam.org/

Haslam College of Business Researchers to Study Startup Workforce
Researchers from University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business, with support from the Knoxville Chamber, are studying the startup workforce in our region. Participation is open to owners and employees (i.e., including 1099 contractors) of businesses within our region that are less than 10 years old. All participants should be at least 18 years of age and understand English. The results of this study will help inform our understanding of new venture work and improve how our business community is served by local resources. https://www.knoxvillechamber.com/haslam-college-of-business-researchers-to-study-startup-workforce/.

JOBS

Aslan Foundation: Administrative And Grant Assistant
Salary range – $42,000 – $49,000. Supervised by the Executive Director, the Administrative Assistant manages the Foundation office administration and assists with grantmaking in furtherance of the Foundation’s mission to preserve and enhance the natural beauty and cultural assets of Knoxville, and enrich the quality of life for the people who live there. The Foundation is a catalyst for progress, advancing the quality, beauty, livability, and sustainability of the Knoxville community. Send a resume and a cover letter to info@aslanfoundation.org.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Development Coordinator
https://knoxvillesymphony.com/about-kso/employment/

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Director of Education & Community Partnerships
https://knoxvillesymphony.com/about-kso/employment/

Director of Development, College of Arts & Sciences (UT Knoxville)
https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_system/jobdetail.ftl?job=24000000P2&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

Call for Commercial Vendors and/or Performers for 11th Knox Asian Festival, Sep 7-8
Hours: Sep 7, 6-9 PM and Sep 8, 10:30 AM – 6 PM. Knox Asian Festival highlights the culture and traditions of Asia. So, performances and demonstrations should reflect this. The Festival has a full day of live performances. World’s Fair Parks has an Amphitheater which has 1,250 sets under the tent roof. It is a wood floor stage. All performances must reflect some aspect of or connection with Asian culture, and all martial arts should be traditional Asian martial arts. The Knox Asian Festival Committee will decide the stage schedule for each performer and make every effort to accommodate performance time requests. https://www.knoxasianfestival.com/applications/commercial-vendor-application/ or https://www.knoxasianfestival.com/applications/performers-application/

REGIONAL and NATIONAL NEWS / SUGGESTED READING

Please check back.

CONFERENCES

Tue-Fri Aug 13-16: Artists Thrive Summit (Winston-Salem, NC)
https://www.artiststhrive.org/

Fri-Sun Aug 30 – Sep 1: The Waymakers Collective 3rd Annual Gathering (Western NC)
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/waymakerscollective/1259713

Mon-Wed Sep 9-11: 3686 Entrepreneur Conference (Nashville)
https://attend3686.com/

Fri-Sun Sep 27-29: The Maker City Summit (Knoxville)
We believe every maker has the potential to turn their passion into a thriving business. At The Maker City Summit 2024, makers will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to help scale their business, attract customers, and build a sustainable brand. Our diverse lineup caters to all makers, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out. Whether they are involved in performing arts, fabric arts, illustration, fabrication, baking, or brewing, there’s something for each passion. Ticket: $95 Regular Admission. Event Highlights: Workshops and Panels: Makers will learn from experts on how to scale their business, attract customers, and build a sustainable brand. Networking Opportunities: Attendees will connect with like-minded makers and industry leaders throughout the event. https://www.themakercitysummit.org/

Thu Oct 3, 8 AM – 5 PM (CT): Tennessee Nonprofit Conference (Memphis)
The largest nonprofit conference in Tennessee and one of the largest in the South! Connect with over 500 of Tennessee’s brightest nonprofit leaders, and dive deep into the latest strategies for success. Whether your passion lies in resource development, leadership development, or volunteer management, this conference offers a wealth of knowledge across a range of critical areas. Learn how to build a stronger organization, cultivate impactful giving, and leverage technology to achieve your mission. Don’t miss this chance to network, share best practices, and propel your nonprofit to new heights! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cxvcpys?source_id=30a4db10-c10c-4428-8e8d-ac9eb4070471

Wed-Sat Jun 11-14, 2025: Americans for the Arts Convention (Cincinnati, OH)
https://afta2025convention.org/

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury; the City of Knoxville; and Knox County.