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Arts, Parks, Libraries & Entertainment Committee approves Metro Arts grant criteria despite public opposition
Summary
The committee approved Resolution RS2025-13555 setting criteria for Metro Arts operating support and Thrive grants for fiscal 2026. The vote follows public praise for the commission and a public commenter who said the changes would defund artists in South Nashville.
The Arts, Parks, Libraries & Entertainment Committee on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, approved Resolution RS2025-13555 establishing criteria for operating support and Thrive grants for fiscal 2026 for the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission.
The resolution matters because it changes how Metro Arts will award project grants: the maximum request for Thrive grants is lowered from $20,000 in prior cycles to $15,000, the prior practice of scaling award amounts (for example, awarding a percentage of the requested amount) will not be used, and the committee was told the fiscal sponsor fee will no longer be deducted from artist budgets.
Lydia Youssef, one of the Title VI complainants from fiscal year 2024, urged the committee to reject the criteria, saying the change is “inequitable” and will “defund South Nashville.” She said cutting the…
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