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Metro Arts approves AmeriCorps continuation, unveils "Forging Ahead" series and coffee-talk expansion
Summary
The Metro Arts Commission approved continued participation in an AmeriCorps placement with United Way/Hands On Nashville and heard staff updates on a new local media series, expanded coffee talks and the Community Arts Leaders of Nashville mentorship program.
The Metro Arts Commission on Jan. 16 approved continuing its AmeriCorps partnership with United Way of Greater Nashville/Hands On Nashville for fiscal years 2025'026 and authorized the host-site investment to support a new AmeriCorps member serving Metro Arts.
Why it matters: The AmeriCorps member supports Metro Arts' community engagement work, expanding coffee talks, outreach and programs that connect artists with opportunities. Staff and commissioners said the placement helps build staff capacity for community-facing activities and creates a pathway for early-career creatives to gain paid experience.
Staff presentation and vote: Community engagement manager Chuck Beard described the pilot AmeriCorps placement last year and recommended continuing the program for the coming year. The commission was asked to approve the program and the necessary host-site investment of $3,750 that will contribute to the AmeriCorps member salary; the program requires Metro Council approval to appropriate the funds. "This is another way to mentor those people and have the team mentor those people with the arts," Beard said, describing last year's pilot member and the role the new member would play. The commission voted in favor of the motion; the roll-call vote followed procedures for legislation and passed.
Community Arts Leaders of Nashville (CALN): The commission approved the final slate of 12 host sites for the spring 2025 Community Arts Leaders of Nashville program. Claudia (staff) told commissioners that 15 organizations applied for the role of host site; 12 were selected and 10 of those 12 had also applied for operating grants. The commission approved the slate in a roll-call vote.
Program details the commission heard on CALN: Each selected host site will receive $6,700 in program support. Staff described how that sum breaks down: $3,750 will be paid to students over the 14-week placement (including $500 earmarked for transportation), $450 will go to mentors and $2,500 will support host-site administration. Staff said interviews of student applicants were underway and teams hoped to pair students with host sites and begin placements on Feb. 3 for a 14-week spring term.
Other community engagement initiatives: Chuck Beard announced a new local media series, Metro Arts Forging Ahead, produced in partnership with Niket Studios at the Nashville Public Library, the Forge and the Arts & Entertainment Council. The first season will include 10 one-hour conversations with Nashville artists, recorded for broadcast and podcast distribution; the first episode was scheduled to air Jan. 29. Beard also described the ongoing Coffee Talk with Metro Arts series, which the staff uses as a monthly touchpoint for artists and community partners.
What comes next: The AmeriCorps agreement will be forwarded to Metro Council for approval (Feb. 4, 2025 was noted as the council meeting date staff expected). Contracts for the CALN host sites will be issued and student placements are expected to begin in early February.
Ending: Commissioners praised staff for the community engagement work and approved the two staff-recommended items so Metro Arts can continue placing a service member and move ahead with the spring mentorship program.
