The Summit is a national gathering designed to energize creative practice and build meaningful connection among artists, arts administrators, educators, and funders. The Arts & Business Council is proud to serve as the Local Lead Planning Partner along with South Arts and the Tremaine Foundation‘s Artists Thrive initiative, as Nashville joins five other cities nationwide in hosting the Summit March 24–26, 2026.
Held simultaneously across the country, the Summit blends local focus with shared national sessions that bring participants together across regions. Participants will hear from national presenters such as artist Mark Menjivar, who will lead a hands-on session inviting participants across all six cities to collectively imagine the kind of nation, city, and creative future they want to help build. Each day will also include interactive Nashville sessions and other activities lead by local presenters to be announced in the months ahead.
Nashville’s Summit experience centers on community partnership and collaboration, connecting participants locally while engaging in national dialogue.