We will showcase our Southern and historical traditions through local art, enriching our culture and landscapes.
Bessie Smith sang here, Usher was born here and Dolly is right up the road. Clyde Stubblefield – the father of hip-hop – worked railroads here, a young Willie Mays ran down fly balls at Lincoln Park and Reggie White, one of the greatest football players – yes, our football – to ever live, was raised here.
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Riverbend was a mainstay of summertime festivals for decades. You can see seven states from Rock City, applaud the oldest high school dance troupe in the state at Girls Preparatory School and wake up Sunday to Gospel music ringing in 100s of area churches.
ArtsBuild, which supports every elementary school in the county. United Way. The Hunter Museum for American Art. The modern tow truck was created here. World-renowned sculptor John Henry created here. Chattanooga is home to some 190 pieces of public art, including The Passage, an art and pedestrian installation that honors, recognizes and remembers the Cherokee Nation.
Earlier this summer, we were selected as a host site for 2026 World Cup teams. Soon, soccer teams – sorry, football teams – from around the world will travel to Chattanooga. We’re the smallest city in America selected for this big honor.
This is community work. It is hospitable work.
We have champions across the city: nonprofits, families, public and private leaders, gutsy, DIY individuals who start working, come hell or high water.
ArtsBuild has supported local arts since 1969, with more than $77 million of investment in arts programming, education and organizations.
Chattanooga has a unique cultural legacy rooted in Southern art and local craftsmanship, making public art a critical aspect of its identity. However, various challenges threaten the city’s creative landscape, potentially stifling opportunities to showcase its rich artistic heritage.