The Tennessee Arts Commission is launching a new statewide effort to bring arts-based healing programs to 10 rural hospitals across the state.
The commission is awarding a total of $175,000 through the inaugural Tennessee Arts & Rural Health Initiative, a pilot program created in partnership with the Tennessee Hospital Association.
"We look closely at supporting arts in all 95 counties of the state," said Jenny Boyd, chair of the Tennessee Arts Commission. "The final awards in this category ensure that hospitals in each grand division of our state are represented,"
Projects are scheduled to begin in January 2026 and include onsite murals, pediatric bedside art sessions, artwork in medical staff spaces, and the transformation of an art-driven courtyard garden on hospital grounds. All projects are expected to conclude by June 1, 2026.
“Hospitals know first-hand that healing extends beyond medical treatment alone," said Andrew Burnett, Vice President, Workforce and Rural Health of the Tennessee Hospital Association. "These grants will allow hospitals to create peaceful, community-centered spaces that support patients’ physical, mental, and emotional recovery, and remind families that they are receiving care in places that feel familiar, calming, and close to home."
Hospitals receiving grants include:
EAST
- Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital — Bledsoe County
- Fort Loudoun Medical Center (Covenant Health Fort Loudoun) — Loudon County
- Hancock County Hospital (Wellmont Health System) — Hancock County
MIDDLE
- Ascension Saint Thomas Stones River Hospital — Cannon County
- Macon County General Hospital Inc. — Macon County
- Unity Medical Center — Coffee County
WEST
- Arts in McNairy for Magnolia Regional Health Center Selmer — McNairy County
- Hardin Medical Center — Hardin County
- Ascension Saint Thomas Three Rivers Hospital (Humphreys County Government) — Humphreys County
- Main Street Lawrenceburg for Southern Tennessee Regional Health System — Lawrence County
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at newsroom@newschannel5.com.
Recently while home sick, I got to watch the news just like you — a viewer! And I have to brag on my co-workers. Not only are they great people and journalists, but they are also tremendous advocates. Look no further than the recent reporting by Amanda Roberts and Jennifer Kraus. This kind of reporting takes dogged commitment. To us, it's always more than a story; this is our home too.
- Carrie Sharp
