Our application window for FY27 Thrive and Operating Support grants has officially closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted! Stay tuned as we transition into the review phase for more information and additional updates. 

Metro Arts Thrive Project Grants provide funding for artist-led, community-based art projects in Davidson County. Successful proposals align with Metro Arts’ mission by promoting cultural equity, actively engaging residents throughout the project, and impacting neighborhoods or communities. Individual artists, artist collectives, or community organizations with lead artists or artist teams may apply. The full Thrive guidelines are available here.

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Please consider utilizing the following resources:

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• The Thrive Resource Guide includes FAQs and guidance for preparing your proposal.​

• Video Walkthrough of Grant Guidelines: Metro Arts staff provide an overview of eligibility criteria, processes, requirements, and more. An abridged version of the slides in the video is available here.

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• Information Sessions: Attend an information session for an overview of the Guidelines and plenty of time for questions and discussion: 

  • Monday, May 18, 2026, 12:00-1:00pm: Virtual on Webex. Please RSVP to receive a link.​

  • Thursday, May 21, 2026, 6:00-7:00pm at the Metro Arts Office at Metro Southeast (1417 Murfreesboro Pike). No RSVP required.

• Fiscal Sponsor Food & Fellowship: Join us at Metro Arts Offices on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM to learn more about the fiscal sponsorship requirement, hear from current fiscal sponsors, and make new connections. Dinner provided. Please RSVP here.

• Drop-in Office Hours and Co-Working: Our first Drop-In session will be held on Friday, May 15 from 8 AM - 12 PM at the Downtown Farmer's Market. No appointments or RSVPs necessary, just drop by to ask questions and/or work on your application. Our drop-ins are listed below.

  • Friday, May 15, 8-11 AM: Downtown Farmer’s Market​

  • Friday, May 22, 8-11 AM: Downtown Farmer’s Market

  • Wednesday, May 27, 1-4 PM: Looby Library

  • Friday, May 29, 10 AM-4 PM: Drkmttr

  • Thursday, June 4 (12 PM to 3 PM) at Looby Library

  • Tuesday, June 9 (1 PM to 5 PM) at McCabe Center

  • Friday, June 12 (8 AM to 11 AM) at the Downtown Farmer’s Market

  • Monday, June 15 (12 PM to 3 PM) at Plaza Mariachi

  • Monday, June 22 (12 PM to 2:30 PM) at the Edgehill Library Branch

  • Wednesday, June 24 (8 AM to 11 AM) at the Downtown Farmer’s Market, with Coffee Talk from 9:30 AM to 11 AM

  • Friday, June 26 (9 AM to 3 PM) at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

• Sign up for 1:1 Virtual Meeting: Sign up for a 30-minute virtual help session with Metro Arts staff using Microsoft Bookings at the link here. Please prepare specific questions beforehand to ensure we can cover as much as possible in our time together.

• Metro Arts Submittable: All applications must be submitted in Submittable. 

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Email us any time at arts.grants@nashville.gov with questions, comments, and suggestions. This inbox is monitored and managed by multiple members of the grant support team.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​