Memphis’ creative community is getting a major boost as 23 local arts organizations have been selected to receive funding through the ArtsFirst grant program.
According to reporting from the Memphis Business Journal, the $500,000 initiative is a joint effort between First Horizon Foundation and ARTSmemphis, aimed at strengthening arts and culture across the city.
The ArtsFirst program is an annual investment led by First Horizon’s charitable arm, which has contributed more than $6.5 million to Memphis arts organizations through ARTSmemphis since 2011. The funding reflects a long-standing commitment to expanding access to creativity while supporting the city’s broader economic and cultural growth.
“ARTSmemphis helps make creativity and learning accessible for every child and fuels a stronger Memphis economy,” said Bo Allen in a statement shared with the Memphis Business Journal. “Through First Horizon Foundation’s long-standing partnership, we are proud to invest in organizations that serve to strengthen the communities we call home.”
In addition to arts funding, First Horizon has supported initiatives across education, environmental efforts, financial literacy, and health and human services, further reinforcing its role in community development throughout the region.
The announcement also builds on a milestone year for ARTSmemphis, which recently surpassed $100 million in total grant funding distributed to local artists and organizations since its founding in 1963.
“ARTSmemphis is fortunate to have a corporate philanthropic partner that recognizes the role the arts play in driving our community’s growth and continues to invest in that vision through meaningful financial support, leadership, and engagement,” said Elizabeth Rouse in a statement.
2026 ArtsFirst Grant Recipients
This year’s recipients represent a wide range of disciplines, from performing arts to community-based creative programs, reflecting the depth and diversity of Memphis’ arts scene:
- AngelStreet Memphis
- Ballet Memphis
- Carpenter Art Garden
- Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group
- Company d
- Contemporary Arts Memphis
- Creative Aging Memphis
- Crosstown Arts
- Dixon Gallery & Gardens
- Germantown Performing Arts Center
- Hattiloo Theatre
- Memphis Jazz Workshop
- Memphis Symphony Orchestra
- Metal Museum
- New Ballet Ensemble & School
- Opera Memphis Inc.
- Orpheum Theatre Group
- Overton Park Shell
- Soulsville Foundation
- Tennessee Shakespeare Company
- Theatre Memphis
- UrbanArt Commission
- Young Actors Guild
As Memphis continues to invest in its creative economy, programs like ArtsFirst play a key role in ensuring artists and organizations have the resources to grow, collaborate, and keep the city’s cultural legacy moving forward.
