Local org receives capacity-building funding from federal agency

Wendy Guzmán | Memphis Business Journal

ARTSmemphis has received a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) award to support Memphis arts nonprofits.

The $50,000 award is intended to provide additional capacity-building funding to organizations with budgets under $500,000 and those led by, or that prioritize, people of color.

“Through our recent conversations with many local arts organizations we are currently funding, we were reminded that sometimes it’s that additional one-time investment in infrastructure, professional development, or even technology that can make such a different in their operations, staff, and creative process," ARTSmemphis president and CEO Elizabeth Rouse said in a statement. "We’re excited to put these NEA dollars to work and witness an even bigger impact by our arts sector."

The funding is to be used for various growth initiatives, such as technology solutions, capacity building, and professional development. Technology solutions will be aimed at improving operations, programs, marketing, or development. One-time capacity building needs will help organizations build infrastructure, while professional development gives support to invest in their teams.

“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” NEA chair Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., said in a statement. “It is inspiring to see the wide range of creative impact taking place, including through ARTSmemphis.”

ARTSmemphis is one of the largest art funders in the Mid-South, and has distributed over $94 million since 1963.

“After meeting with our grantees before the holidays, trending growth opportunities among our local arts organizations are clear, and we are excited that these NEA dollars can help address those needs directly,” ARTSmemphis COO Tracy Lauritzen Wright said in a statement. “Our grantees have identified clear pathways for 2025 improvement, and we are ready to step in with the dollars to make them possible and, as a result, better serve the Memphis community.”