Did you know that there are 28 cultural projects currently in the works in Chattanooga, right under our noses?
Visit Chattanooga recently awarded 28 local cultural, heritage, and arts organizations a total of $605.5 thousand through its second round of Cultural Tourism Advancement grants.
What is the CTA grant?
Now in its second year of funding, the grant program is designed to award money to local organizations with tourism-related projects. Applications are rated on the project or program’s ability to:
- Attract diverse audiences
- Create economic impact
- Attract visitors, encourage them to extend their stay, and enhance visitor experience in Chattanooga
- Improve quality of life for Hamilton County residents through tourism
- Address a community need that supports the Tourism Co.’s mission
What projects can we expect to come from this grant?
You can check out this list of the 28 organizations that received funding, but here’s a snapshot of some of the projects that the grant is helping fund:
- TN Valley Railroad Museum | The museum will use this money for accessibility improvements, including enhancing facilities and train operations at the Grand Junction Campus to add multiple mobility access points.
- SPLASH Summer Arts Festival | This free, family-friendly festival will take place on Aug. 20 in Miller Park + feature art demos, live music, craft vendors, food, and more.
- The Hot Chocolatier | This local chocolate shop will launch a new program — Experiencing Chattanooga Made Chocolate — that will feature interactive hands-on chocolate “bean-to-bar” classes.
- Davis Wayne’s | Ooltewah restaurant Davis Wayne’s will use the grant to enclose a portion of its outdoor seating space + revive its Intimate Evening Music Series.
- Fire Up the Fields | On Oct. 22, Sculpture Fields will host this free, explosive art event with performances from local + regional artists, live music and dance, and a large-scale sculpture burn.
And of course, several projects you already know + love are returning thanks to aid from the grant — 4 Bridges Arts Festival, Riverfront Nights, Sidewalk Stages, and Startup Week CHA, for instance.