TENNESSEE ARTS CAUCUS PROMOTING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARTS
In 2005, TFTA approached House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh (D) Covington and then Lt. Gov. John Wilder (D) Mason to discuss the creation of an Arts Caucus within the Tennessee General Assembly. Both Naifeh and Wilder enthusiastically endorsed the idea and served as the first two founding members. Today the Arts Caucus boasts a membership of 35 House and Senate members and is led by Representative Doug Overbey (R) Maryville.
“The Arts Caucus helps facilitate valuable policy discussion on the importance of the arts in our state. The arts have an economic impact on our communities, define who we are culturally and should be part of nearly every policy discussion that takes place in the General Assembly . I am proud to serve as the Chair of this group because I believe the Caucus helps all members of the General Assembly stay informed about the many positive aspects of and the enormous impact of the arts on our citizens.” -- Representative Doug Overbey (R) Maryville, Chair of the Tennessee General Assembly Arts Caucus
Tennessee General Assembly Website |