First Horizon Foundation invests $450,000 in local arts organizations
18 arts organizations to receive funds through ArtsFirst grant program at ArtsMemphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 22, 2021– First Horizon Foundation is proud to announce its investment of $450,000 in 18 local arts organizations through its partnership with ArtsMemphis, the primary arts funder for Memphis and Shelby County.
First Horizon is a longtime significant arts contributor and leverages the grant-making expertise of ArtsMemphis to ensure continued meaningful impact in the arts community through the ArtsFirst program.
“Arts organizations have persevered during this pandemic and, as a result, have uncovered new, innovative ways to engage audiences and create works we can all appreciate,” said Bo Allen, regional president for First Horizon. “We’re proud to partner with the arts community to help bring their programs and productions to life.”
Established in 2012, ArtsFirst grants promote excellence and enrichment in the arts throughout Memphis and Shelby County. To date, more than $4 million has been granted to 43 local arts organizations.
“Our city and county’s vibrancy in the arts would not be possible without corporate generosity,” said Elizabeth Rouse, President and CEO of ArtsMemphis. “First Horizon Foundation’s leadership and support of ArtsMemphis and arts organizations has been transformative. We are honored to celebrate 10 years of the ArtsFirst program and grateful for their investment to enable a powerful return of the arts this year. It’s an honor to work alongside their team to administer this unique grant program.”
This year’s ArtsFirst grant recipients and accompanying programs, selected by a grant panel composed of First Horizon Foundation representatives, include:
Arrow Creative | Youth Summer Camp Scholarships
Ballet Memphis | Ballet Memphis Midtown Campaign
Carpenter Art Garden | Mosaic Program
Collage Dance Collective | Breaking Through Campaign
Creative Aging Memphis | Operating Support
Crosstown Arts | Crosstown Theater
Dixon Gallery and Gardens | Black Artists in America: 1929-1954
GPAC | The Grove at GPAC
Hattiloo Theatre | Sensory Friendly Shows
Levitt Shell | Operating Support
New Ballet Ensemble & School |Springloaded Gala 2021
Opera Memphis | Company Artists Sponsorships
Orpheum Theatre Group | Annual Auction
Soulsville Foundation | Stax Music Academy’s Music Career Fair and Spring Showcase
Tennessee Shakespeare Company |Season Sponsorship
The CLTV |Juneteenth Gala
Theatre Memphis |Season Sponsorship
UrbanArt Commission | Revisiting and Responding Project
For more information about the ArtsFirst grant initiative, visit www.artsmemphis.org/artsfirst.
About First Horizon Foundation
First Horizon Foundation is the private charitable foundation of First Horizon National Corporation. Founded in 1993, our Foundation has donated more than $110 million to meet community needs. Grants from the Foundation support the following impact areas: Arts & Culture, Education & Leadership, Environment, Financial Literacy, and Health & Human Services. More information is available at www.firsthorizonfoundation.com.
About ArtsMemphis
ArtsMemphis is the primary arts funder for Memphis and Shelby County, generating and infusing over $80 million in financial support for the arts since its inception nearly 60-years ago. With a mission to sustain Memphis’ world-renowned cultural vitality and strengthen local communities through the arts, ArtsMemphis distributes $2.5-$3 million annually to 70+ organizations and also individual artists. During the COVID pandemic, ArtsMemphis has elevated its role as convener and connector helping the arts sector recover, reimagine, and continue as a critical economic driver to ensure the arts remain a vital component of Mid-South culture and daily life. Learn more at artsmemphis.org.
CONTACT:
Media Relations – First Horizon, Alana Hu Perkovic, (901) 550-0928
Media Relations – ArtsMemphis, Josie Ballin, (901) 341-0401