Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) announced today that six arts grants have been awarded in Rutherford County from the Tennessee Arts Commission with a combined total of $59,140.  The grants are made possible through an appropriation of state funds by the General Assembly, Tennesseans who buy specialty license plates and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts.  

“It is very important that we preserve our cultural heritage for future generations,” said Senator Ketron.  “I am very pleased these local grants have been awarded for this purpose.”

“There are several worthy organizations in need this money to help them operate,” added Tracy, who is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.  “The sale of specialty license plates has been a tremendous boost in helping them receive needed funds.”     

The grants include two separate grants to the Youth Empowerment Through Arts and Humanities.  One grant is in the category of Partnership Support and the other is for Arts Project Support, with a combined total of $6,200.  Main Street:  Murfreesboro/Rutherford County will receive $3,000 for Art Project Support, Children’s Museum Corporation of Rutherford County will receive $3,500 for Art Project Support, Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra will receive $9,000 for Partnership Support and the Center for the Arts will receive $10,960 for Partnership Support.

The Arts Commission will award over 600 community grants in both urban and rural areas through the 2015 fiscal year, totaling $5.3 million. The allocation process involves a review by citizen advisory panels made up of Tennesseans with expertise in appropriate disciplines and a final review by the full 15-member Commission. 

View all specialty license plates available in Tennessee HERE.