The Arts Initiative supports the design and construction of a building that includes professional-grade performing arts spaces. Teaching, performance, gathering, and administrative space within will serve a wide breath of programs and needs.
The new arts facility includes:
Johnson City’s economic and cultural growth is directly tied to the Arts Initiative. The center will act as a hub for artists and patrons in the region, 45 percent of which travel from outside the region. Notable benefits include increased tourism revenues, added jobs, and more opportunities to attract prominent performance groups, speakers, and more.
The Arts Initiative is an ETSU and community movement recognizing a 30-year dream to build a fine and performing arts center for ETSU students and the surrounding region.
Much more than a single building, the Arts Initiative includes scholarships, endowed chair opportunities and support for arts across East Tennessee.
The Arts Initiative is more than just a performing arts center, or a classroom, or a gallery. It is a movement inspired by artists and patrons—people who recognize this once-in-a-lifetime chance to build a new world of artistic possibilities for East Tennessee. Thirty years ago, our community began calling for an initiative of this kind.
Today, we are ready to make that dream come true – but we need your help.