Board accepts in‑kind arts grants: $19,500 for Metro Parks cultural programs and $8,500 mural funded by Sister Cities

The Board of Parks and Recreation approved acceptance of two in‑kind grants supporting arts programming and a community mural.

Creative Parks Nashville grant: Staff asked the board to accept an in‑kind grant valued at approximately $19,500 from Creative Parks Nashville to support Metro Parks’ music, theater and visual arts program. Director Odom said there is no required Metro match and no funds will be sent to Metro Parks. The grant’s proposed uses listed in the staff report included studio and pottery equipment at $4,500, audio equipment upgrades at the Centennial Music Studio at $7,500, and audio and lighting upgrades to the Luby Theater at $7,500. Staff recommended approval and the board voted to accept the gift.

Sister Cities mural: The board also accepted an in‑kind grant valued at approximately $8,500 from Sister Cities of Nashville and mural artist Andre Rudloff to paint a commissioned mural on the exterior sidewall of the Morgan Park Community Center. Director Odom noted the Metro Arts Commission provided a grant to Sister Cities and that the mural will be paid for directly by Sister Cities; Metro Parks will not receive project funds. Staff said no ongoing maintenance will be required by Metro Parks because the installation is intended to be temporary and sealed appropriately. The item had been introduced at the prior month’s agenda and was returned to the board this month because of time sensitivity; staff recommended approval and the board voted to accept.

Board context and next steps: Both items were presented to the board as donations of equipment and a funded mural project; staff advised that the grants require no Metro match and that the responsible organizations would fund and maintain the projects within the stated terms. The board approved both items on the consent/new business portions of the agenda.