The History of the Metro Arts Commission & The Nashville Symphony: Part I.
A podcast version of a Substack series published under {Rich Text}.
You can also listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
In this debut episode, host Mike Lacy delves into the complex and often contentious history of arts funding in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville's rich artistic culture extends far beyond country music, touching various genres and disciplines. But behind the vibrant arts scene lies a history marked by struggles with power, class, race, and financial mismanagement.
Lacy explores the pivotal 2023 vote by the Metro Arts Commission, which aimed to prioritize funding for diverse art programs over major institutions like the Nashville Symphony and the Frist Museum. This controversial decision sparked legal battles, public outrage, and highlighted deeper issues of racial and economic equity in the arts community.
Listeners are taken back to 1988, when the Nashville Symphony faced bankruptcy. Lacy narrates how Phil Bredesen, a future mayor and governor, negotiated a contentious deal to save the symphony through public funds, establishing a precedent that continues to influence Nashville's arts funding.
Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, this episode of "Strings Attached" uncovers the historical roots of current conflicts and offers a nuanced perspective on the ongoing challenges in Nashville's arts scene. Join Mike Lacy as he unravels the intricate tapestry of arts, politics, race, and class in this debut episode.
A standing correction: This podcast refers to the Nashville Metro Council as a “City Council”. It is, in fact, a City-County Council, known colloquially as the “Metro Council.” More information on this distinction can be found in this previous post.
