As the Arts & Business Council celebrates 20 years of service, we’re reflecting on one of the most consistent threads running through our work: connection. For two decades, ABC has helped match artists, creatives, and arts organizations with the people, resources, and opportunities that support sustainable creative careers.
This month’s 20 for 20 explores how matchmaking shows up across our programs, through mentors and peers, legal and business professionals, speakers, volunteers, and the broader creative community. Each point offers a snapshot of how thoughtful connection can turn questions into clarity and ideas into momentum.
Since launching Periscope: Artist Entrepreneur Training, ABC has facilitated mentor matches for more than 270 creative entrepreneurs, pairing artists with experienced business professionals who provide guidance, perspective, and real-world insight as they navigate the business side of their creative work.
“I love ABC Nashville’s Periscope program, and the annual Pitch competition event is hands-down one of my favorite nights of each year. I’ve proudly served as a mentor for seven cycles now, advising two artist entrepreneurs to triumphant wins. It’s an honor and a privilege to get to serve as coach, cheerleader, and big brother for some of middle Tennessee’s most inspiring and exciting emerging creative businesspeople, and I can’t recommend it enough.”
Rory Levine, ABC Board Vice Chair and Periscope Mentor
Through Periscope, ABC acts as a matchmaker between artists and experienced business professionals, pairing each cohort with volunteer mentors whose skills align with artists’ goals. These one-on-one relationships offer guidance across areas like strategy, marketing, finance, and operations, helping artists apply what they’re learning in real time. By facilitating these mentor connections, ABC ensures artists receive relevant, relational support that builds confidence and often extends beyond the program itself.
“The mentorship was, without question, one of my favorite parts of the Periscope experience. My mentor, Alan Fay, was a perfect match. He had helped launch Make Music Nashville, which directly aligned with my own goal of starting an arts nonprofit. He was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly encouraging; he made what once felt out of reach seem possible. What stood out most was that our connection has lasted beyond the program; he’s still someone I can reach out to for guidance. That relationship has been invaluable, and it made the experience deeply personal and transformative.”
Bryson Finney, Periscope Class of 2023
“Not only has my mentor offered me valuable business insight, growth opportunities, process improvement and entrepreneurial Know-How, she has also introduced me to several incredible people and resources for branding and website development which have been instrumental in my brand development and launch.”
Periscope Class of 2025 Alum
Periscope Group Leaders are another way ABC creates peer-to-peer matchmaking within the Periscope program. ABC intentionally places artists into small facilitated groups led by experienced leaders who guide discussion, reflection, and accountability. These groups help artists build trusted peer relationships across disciplines, fostering connection, shared learning, and a sense of community that lasts beyond the program.
“What could be more life affirming than mentoring passionate artists willing to grow in ways outside their comfort zone? Partnering with creative individuals helping them craft strategies to get their work seen by a wider audience is a core of the Periscope experience. Watching confidence emerge over years of watching graduates find success after success is beyond priceless.”
Kim Barrick, Periscope Mentor
ABC curates and invites experienced practitioners, thought leaders, and industry experts to lead Periscope sessions that connect artists with relevant insights, tools, and lived experience. By selecting speakers whose backgrounds reflect the real challenges artists face, ABC helps create meaningful connections that expand artists’ thinking, introduce practical frameworks, and support their creative practice and careers.
“My mentor Alice has been an incredible support and gift! She provides exceptional advice, excellent contacts and networking support, cheerleading and editing, along with thoughtful reflective questions, expertise as a writer, and so much more…”
Katharine “KW” Poole, Periscope Class of 2025
Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) matches artists, creative entrepreneurs, and arts organizations with trusted legal and business professionals through one-on-one consultations and referrals tailored to their needs. In addition to legal guidance, VLPA connects creatives with skilled volunteers in areas like accounting and finance, information technology, and human resources. By pairing artists and organizations with professionals who understand the realities of the arts sector, VLPA strengthens both individual practices and Nashville’s creative ecosystem.
“ VLPA matched me with an incredible, experienced volunteer lawyer who helped me negotiate a fair contract to sign. Now my music is paying for itself and making a profit!”
Ariel Bui, Musician and VLPA Client
ABC’s Legal Clinics for the Arts create structured matchmaking between income-qualified artists, creative businesses, and emerging arts nonprofits and volunteer attorneys. Held quarterly, these clinics offer private, one-on-one consultations that help creatives navigate contracts, intellectual property, disputes, and business formation. By connecting artists with lawyers who understand the arts sector, the clinics reduce barriers to legal access and support stronger, more sustainable creative practices.
In our last fiscal year, the ABC matched artists and arts organizations in need of legal support with 73 volunteer attorneys to resolve 110 creative cases through VLPA. These matches resulted in 378 hours of pro bono service to our creative community worth over $106,000.
“I became an attorney for the express purpose of helping creatives, whether they have money or not. I work with ABC because ABC shares that mission. While I came to help artists, I have been surprised to find that the most prominent and indeed most rewarding aspect of volunteering with ABC is the exposure to fellow attorneys and to eager law students. Come to build relationships, find value in and learn from your peers and your juniors alike.”
Anjlee Khurana, VLPA Volunteer Attorney
ABC’s Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley partner to present the Black-Owned Small Business and Nonprofit Legal Clinic, connecting local Black-owned business owners and nonprofit leaders with volunteer attorneys for free, business-focused legal consultations. Held monthly, the clinic pairs eligible leaders with legal expertise they might not otherwise access, helping them navigate foundational business decisions and strengthen their organizations.
“I wasn’t sure how working with a student at [University] Legal Clinic would be, but [the supervising lawyer] was reassuring and involved every step of the way. With his oversight, [law student] provided a fantastic service. I was very pleased and fortunate to have such a gracious and knowledgeable team on my side.”
Amber Lelli, Artist and VLPA Client
“I have a decent book contract after a successful negotiation process, thanks to my volunteer lawyer! I wouldn’t have known what to ask for, or what’s expected, without his guidance. I appreciated that he took time to talk to me via phone too, and explain items in the contract.”
Author, VLPA Client
The Arts & Business Council’s vision for matchmaking includes place. Through the Opaline at Artist Hill, ABC is helping create a future community with 251 affordable homes, shared creative workspaces, childcare, and essential services, designed to support artists and their families by matching them with housing, infrastructure, and a connected creative ecosystem in Nashville.
The Arts & Business Council extends its matchmaking work through the Opportunities Hub, connecting member organizations with artists, creatives, and professionals seeking jobs, volunteer roles, and board service. This platform helps arts organizations reach qualified candidates while giving individuals a centralized place to find ways to work, serve, and lead within Nashville’s creative community.
Matching takes a community. ABC’s programs are made possible by volunteers who step in as mentors, advisors, and professional resources. As we celebrate 20 years of connection, we invite you to be a part of what comes next. Explore volunteer opportunities and get matched at https://abcnashville.org/volunteer-with-us/