July 23, 2003

NASHVILLE - Grant applications are currently being accepted for the Cultural Crossroads grant program, a partnership between the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Art’s Challenge America program. The program is designed to assist communities in Tennessee as they cultivate and market their local cultural and heritage resources. Funds support projects and public programs that include the arts and humanities and work toward balancing local cultural values with tourism interests.

Nonprofit arts organizations can apply for up to $3,000 for support of a project that sets in motion a community or communities’ interest in developing local cultural resources by re-assessing available resources and marketing strategies, and/or provides funds to implement such assessments or plans. The proposal must include a broad understanding and appreciation for cultural and heritage tourism development.

"Successful proposals will include plans for producing some kind of public oriented product, such as a web site, brochure, and/or a directory of cultural resources in the area," says Jonathan Saad, director of the Community Arts Development Program for the Commission.

Applications must be received by Tuesday, September 2, 2003 in the Tennessee Arts Commission’s office at 401 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0780.

While the Commission is only accepting proposals from individual arts organizations, collaborative projects with other groups will result in stronger applications. Arts organizations are encouraged to partner with schools, churches, community service groups, for-profit corporations, museums, historical societies, libraries, colleges, town governments, chamber of commerce, foundations, community access television, radio stations, and others.

In addition, the Commission strongly encourages projects that incorporate two or more counties or municipalities.