Memphis arts groups present youth programming; council members pledge support, ask for funding details

Three local arts organizations presented to a Memphis City Council committee on April 8, outlining how theater, music and riverfront programming reach thousands of young people and asking the council to consider continued support for summer programs and related youth services.

Rachel Knox, who opened the presentations, said the arts and culture sector is “a formidable sector” and described local data showing arts organizations reach roughly 2 million people per year, about 500,000 of them youth. Knox asked the council to consider the arts’ role in workforce and tax-base growth.

Sabrina Norwood, executive director of Young Actors Guild, described the nonprofit’s performing arts programs for children and teens and said the organization serves about 800 young people a year and has reached more than 41,000 youth in Memphis to date. “When I think of young actors… the arts became the medication that he needed,” Norwood said, recounting how a participant with attention-deficit disorder reduced medication after joining the group’s programs. She said the group’s eight-week summer program serves about 175 students, including 30 paid interns, and costs $800 per student; the program culminates this year with a performance July 19 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

Art Davis, interim CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership, described free and low-cost riverfront programming and usage numbers. “In 2024, the riverfront… welcomed 2,100,000 visits,” Davis said, and he noted that the partnership’s schools outreach brought more than 7,800 Memphis‑Shelby County students to riverfront field trips last year. Davis also said the partnership plans a FY 2026 capital request for lighting in the Mahogany River Terrace parking lot and is coordinating with private projects at Mud Island.

Brianna Harrington, director of partnerships for Memphis Music Initiative, said MMI supports music education across six of seven council districts and said its network reaches thousands of young people through partner organizations.

Council members praised the presenters and asked staff to work with the organizations on budget and funding options. Councilwoman Logan and others asked for cost and scale details for summer programs; Norwood provided the $800-per-student figure and an enrollment count. Council members repeatedly offered to help find or consider money in the upcoming budget season. Chair Cooper Sutton closed by thanking presenters and saying the council must ensure youth programs receive appropriate funding.

The presentations did not include a formal request that generated a final council vote during the meeting; members asked city staff to follow up with financial detail so the council can consider potential funding in the city budget process.