The Arts & Business Council community is made up of artists, arts organizations, business professionals, and community members who share a belief in the power of the arts to strengthen Nashville.
ABC membership brings that community together through opportunities and resource support, professional development programs, advocacy efforts, and access to a growing network of creative and business leaders. Whether you’re looking to build relationships, grow your skills, support the creative sector, or simply stay connected to what’s happening across Nashville’s arts community, membership offers a way to engage more deeply.
For this month’s 20 for 20, we invited members from across our network to reflect on their experiences with ABC. Their stories highlight the many ways membership creates value, from meaningful connections and professional growth to mentorship, collaboration, and a stronger sense of belonging within Nashville’s creative community.
Read on to hear directly from our members—and if you’d like to become part of this growing network, we’d love to welcome you as a member.
“One of my favorite things about the ABC membership is the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the arts program. Over the past 20 years or so I’ve referred many artists to the program, and used it myself. It’s important to protect one’s intellectual property, and access to professional advice is key.”
Landry Butler, Multidisciplinary Artist
“As both an attorney and artist, being a member of ABC has deepened my connection to Nashville’s creative community through service, collaboration, and shared investment in the arts. In addition to providing pro bono legal services through ABC’s Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts program, I collaborated with ABC to launch the inaugural ABC-Belmont entertainment law clinic in 2009, establishing Belmont’s first legal clinic, and later partnered with ABC to develop workshops serving artists and creative professionals. Those collaborations have connected me more deeply to the people, organizations, and emerging talent that shape Nashville’s creative ecosystem.”
Cheryl Slay Carr, Professor of Music Business at Belmont University
“We live in a city that’s rapidly changing, so it’s easy for small artists like us to feel a bit wayward, unsure of what paths to take. The ABC provides much needed guidance and support; by helping us navigate legal and financial challenges, they’ve helped us adapt as artists and grow as a business, putting us in a better position to be a positive and impactful member of Nashville’s creative community.”
Paige Eber, Suspended Gravity Circus
“I’ve been a member of ABC since 2021, and every year has brought new opportunities and relationships that are paramount to how I’ve established a presence in the art scene in Nashville. From being a part of the Periscope Program and Pitch, then on to being a small group leader for the ABC Periscope Rural program…I was able to tap into resources that myself and other artists in TN greatly needed to thrive in our individual practices. Marketing workshops, networking events, opportunities for calls for art are just a few of ways ABC has helped my art studio…but ultimately it is the long-term friendships and relationships I have made along the way with fellow artists that inspire me every day, and that is what keeps me coming back as a member year after year.”
Amy Harms, Artist
“ABC has been so beneficial to me as I navigate the process of establishing my creative business. An ABC membership includes so many resources, from access to online courses about business fundamentals to pro-bono legal assistance through VLPA. My ABC membership has given me the tools and connections I’ve needed to feel confident in expanding my creative business.”
Riley Lazuli, Periscope Class of 2026
“I would tell someone considering an ABC membership that it is worth it because it helps artists feel connected to Nashville’s creative community. Through ABC, I have discovered events, resources, and opportunities that made me feel more involved and inspired as an artist. It is encouraging to know there is an organization actively supporting and celebrating the arts in our city.”
Yenny Ledoux, Artist
“Being part of the ABC community has been a meaningful way for me to stay connected to the arts and the sense of purity, perspective, and peace they bring to everyday life. As an attorney, the arts are not always part of my day-to-day work life, but ABC gives me a place to remain close to the creativity and artistic values I grew up appreciating and still deeply love.”
Brittany Macon, Polsinelli
“My membership in ABC, has been one of the most valuable investments in my multi-faceted career. The programs expanded my skill sets inclusive of non-profit Board management, fundraising, addressing common issues within the Nashville metro arts communities, etc.
ABC is an outstanding value for one who desires to expand their knowledge base and have the opportunity to spend productive time with so many ‘bright lights.,’ ABC is a must for anybody wanting to engage and contribute to the metro Nashville Arts community.”
Dick Markus, Tennessee Craft
“Supporting the Arts and Business Council matters for the future of Nashville’s creative ecosystem because the creation and sustainability of art requires allies. There is no better ally than an organization like the Arts and Business Council that is caring enough to listen to the needs of the communities that it serves. Nimble enough to pivot to solve problems in an ever evolving and challenging landscape facing artists in different disciplines. And robust enough to make sure that rhetoric is paired with action. The Arts and Business Council educates, elevates, and empowers artists to not only survive but hopefully thrive in Nashville. Making art can often feel really lonely. But with an organization like the Arts and Business Council, it doesn’t have to.”
Trey McClarnon, Best Part Productions
“Artists, creative entrepreneurs, and community-minded creatives at all stages of their journey can benefit deeply from an ABC membership because it creates opportunities for connection, visibility, collaboration, and growth.
As someone who works across arts-based nonprofits, public art, community engagement, and wellness-centered creative programming, I’ve seen how valuable it is to have spaces that support both the creative and professional sides of an artistic career. Organizations like ABC help artists feel less isolated while also opening doors to partnerships, resources, and conversations that can genuinely move creative work forward.
In a city like Nashville, having a network that invests in creatives at different stages of their journey is incredibly important.”
LeAndra Richardson, Artist
“Supporting the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville is an investment in what makes this city truly thrive—for its culture, economy, creativity, and inclusivity. Without it, Nashville risks losing the authenticity behind its reputation. With it, we ensure the city continues to grow as a dynamic, innovative, and globally recognized creative artistic hub.”
Leon Scioscia, Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)
“Being a part of the ABC community through the 2017 Periscope class led to a breakthrough I didn’t expect. Even though I dreaded talking about my artwork in front of a large crowd, Periscope Pitch pushed me to share the story behind my work. I ultimately won top honors that night, learning firsthand the importance of presentation and storytelling for artists. I’ve supported the mission of ABC and Periscope ever since.”
Tony Sobota, Artist
“ABC has been an important part of helping the Tennessee Fashion Council connect with Nashville’s broader creative community. Through their support and network, we’ve been able to bring together designers, students, entrepreneurs, artists, and industry professionals through events, educational programming, and community initiatives that highlight fashion as an important part of Nashville’s creative economy. The ABC’s encouragement of cross-disciplinary collaboration has helped us grow meaningful relationships and create more visibility for Tennessee’s fashion and creative industries.”
Lacie Thorne, Tennessee Fashion Council
“ABC Nashville has been extremely useful for me as an independent artist! I wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford legitimate legal counsel from an entertainment lawyer, and the contracts coming in are too complicated for me to understand. It’s a patient process but they have been quick to respond to emails and questions and concerns! So far each volunteer lawyer I’ve worked with has been very detailed and kind and supportive and has helped me dodge some pretty sketchy proposals! I am so grateful that such a platform exists, and that it is so tight and organized and efficient.”
Taylor Tuke, Musician
“Supporting organizations like the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville matters because a creative city does not thrive on talent alone. Artists and arts nonprofits need strong business partnerships, advocacy, marketing support, and community investment to grow and sustain Nashville’s cultural identity. The arts are not separate from economic development, they are a driving force behind our tourism, neighborhoods, hospitality industry, and sense of community. As Nashville continues to grow, we must intentionally support the creatives and organizations that keep our city authentic, inspired, and connected. Culture creates community. Investing in the arts is investing in Nashville’s future.”
Nancy VanReece, Photographer and Civic Leader
“As Executive Director of AbleVoices, my Arts & Business Council membership has supported both my professional growth and the growth of our organization. Through programs like Periscope, I gained valuable tools for refining our vision, strengthening our storytelling, and communicating the impact of our work more effectively. The ABC community has also connected AbleVoices with other creative professionals and organizations who value inclusion, collaboration, and the arts as a meaningful force for connection and belonging. As a nonprofit leader, it has been encouraging to learn alongside others who understand both the creative and operational sides of sustaining arts organizations. ABC has helped me feel more connected to Nashville’s broader arts community while also giving AbleVoices greater visibility and credibility within it. I’m grateful to be a member of a community that invests in both artists and arts leaders across Nashville!”
Jen Vogus, AbleVoices
“I was part of the 6th Periscope Cohort in 2019. Periscope, and the Arts and Business Council provided me with a solid base upon which to grow my creative business. More importantly, it fostered a sense of community with a terrific group of fellow creators. Like so many others, I started with a singular creative vision. Yet I was somewhat bereft of contact with others embarking on a similar journey. Periscope and the ABC helped establish my personal creative community in response to this need. A community of collaboration, connection and creativity are the three legs of meaningful creative endeavors. Periscope and the ABC, allowed me to make the connections that remain an integral part of my creative journey.”
Will Winton, Craft Artist
“ABC membership has supported my work by providing access to legal resources and professionals that I would normally have to pay for. Through working with VLPA, I’ve been able to create agreements and professional documents that have helped strengthen my growing nonprofit.”
Jonathan Wynn, Soul’d Creative
“Being an artist and creative entrepreneur can be very insular and ABC brings structure and community to my life. It’s super valuable to be able to tap into resources like the VLPA and I’ve found my experience in the Periscope program to push me to grow. Even as someone who is good at building my own network, I’ve found the opportunities to expand my connections with ABC and periscope to be super valuable.”
Samantha Zaruba, Periscope Class of 2026
“The ABC community is such an amazing cross section of Nashvillians who are passionate about the arts. I really value the friendships I’ve made as a member of this community and I’m grateful to be part of the impact we can only have as a collective.”
Anna Zeitlin, Fanny & June