KNOXVILLE - National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $80 million in grants as part of the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2018. Included in this announcement is an Art Works grant of $20,000 to Big Ears Festival for continued work to showcase music and art at the annual Knoxville event.
The Art Works category is the NEA’s largest funding category and supports projects that focus on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts and/or the strengthening of communities through the arts.
“The variety and quality of these projects speaks to the wealth of creativity and diversity in our country,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Through the work of organizations such as Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, NEA funding invests in local communities, helping people celebrate the arts wherever they are.”
Big Ears Festival is an annual event that brings together musicians and artists who span generations and transcend genres, and as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides free programming to the community thanks to generous festival sponsors and partners. Described as “one of the most quietly earth-shattering, subtly luminous festivals the world over” by the Oxford American, Big Ears Festival has established itself as one of the most exciting and imaginative cultural gatherings in the world.
The mission of the Big Ears Festival is to create, nurture and support artistic expression and cultural education that transcends traditional boundaries; strengthens and builds relationships; and connects across communities through genre-defying music, film and arts programming and interactive experiences.
“We are grateful that the National Endowment for the Arts has recognized our work to bring enriching artistic experiences to the community,” Big Ears Managing Director Carissa Stolting said. “As part of our mission as a non-profit organization, Big Ears exists to push the boundaries of creative expression. The NEA funds will help us continue to present interactive and engaging new programming while serving as a platform for young artists and innovative work in our community.”
Big Ears is created and produced by Knoxville-based AC Entertainment, recognized as one of the foremost independent promoters in the United States. Founded in 1991 by Ashley Capps, the company books, markets and presents more than 1,000 events per year. In addition to Big Ears, AC Entertainment is the force behind internationally renowned events, including Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Forecastle Festival and many more.
For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news. To learn more about becoming a Big Ears “Friend of the Festival,” visit www.bigearsfestival.org/support/donor-benefits. To keep up with Big Ears news and announcements, “like” Big Ears Festival on Facebook, follow @BigEarsFestival on Twitter and join the newsletter.
About Big Ears Festival
The mission of the Big Ears Festival, a 501(c)(3), is to create, nurture, and support artistic expression and cultural education that transcends traditional boundaries, strengthens and builds relationships, and connects across communities through genre-defying music, film and arts programming, and interactive experiences.
Described as “one of the most quietly earth-shattering, subtly luminous festivals the world over” by the Oxford American, Big Ears Festival has established itself as one of the most exciting and imaginative cultural gatherings in the world, bringing together a virtual who’s who of established and acclaimed iconoclasts, innovators and influencers with younger artists who are synthesizing their own experiences into fresh, new creative work. Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville – and taking place in its world-class historic theaters, excellent clubs, and unique alternative performance spaces – all within easy walking distance of one another and intermingled with superb restaurants, bars, and shops – Big Ears offers an unparalleled experience for adventurous artists and audiences alike. While primarily focused on music, Big Ears is also developing a strong independent/experimental film component while also presenting installations, exhibitions and interactive experiences.
Big Ears is created and produced by AC Entertainment, recognized as one of the foremost independent promoters in the United States. Founded in 1991 by Ashley Capps, the company books, markets and presents over 1,000 events per year. In addition to Big Ears, AC Entertainment is the force behind internationally renowned events including Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival®, Forecastle Festival, and many more. For more information on AC Entertainment, visit ACEntertainment.com.
Big Ears Festival is made possible by the generous support of The Aslan Foundation, ArtWorks/NEA, Visit Knoxville, Tennessee Department of Tourism, The Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Regal Entertainment Group, the Jig and Reel, Pilot Flying J and The Clayton Foundation.
