ArtsBuild Launches New Program to Bridge Business and Creative Communities

The initiative aims to connect local arts organizations with the business community during Chattanooga's annual Arts Week celebration.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:32am

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A highly detailed, colorful 3D digital illustration depicting a miniature city street scene with murals, sculptures, and people engaged in conversation, representing the collaboration between the business and creative sectors.A creative partnership blossoms as Chattanooga's business and arts communities come together during the city's annual celebration of the arts.Chattanooga Today

ArtsBuild, a nonprofit arts organization in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has launched a new program to foster collaboration between the city's business and creative communities. The initiative will take place during the upcoming Arts Week celebration, which culminates with the Four Bridges Arts Festival on April 18-19 at the First Horizon Pavilion.

Why it matters

By bringing together local businesses and arts groups, the program seeks to highlight the important role that the creative sector plays in Chattanooga's economy and community. It also aims to identify new opportunities for cross-pollination and mutual support between the two industries.

The details

The new ArtsBuild program will feature a series of networking events, panel discussions, and workshops that connect business leaders with representatives from Chattanooga's vibrant arts scene. Topics will include how companies can support local artists, ways that the creative community can provide value to businesses, and strategies for joint marketing and sponsorship opportunities.

  • The Four Bridges Arts Festival will take place on April 18-19, 2026.
  • ArtsBuild's new business-arts initiative will run throughout Chattanooga's annual Arts Week celebration.

The players

ArtsBuild

A nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the arts in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce

The local business advocacy group that is partnering with ArtsBuild on the new initiative.

City of Chattanooga

The municipal government that is hosting the annual Arts Week celebration and Four Bridges Arts Festival.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to launch this new program that will help bridge the gap between Chattanooga's business and creative communities. By fostering more collaboration, we can unlock new opportunities for both sectors to thrive.”

— Nikki Giovanni, Executive Director, ArtsBuild

What’s next

ArtsBuild plans to make the business-arts initiative an annual part of its Arts Week programming, with the goal of expanding the reach and impact of the program in the coming years.

The takeaway

This new ArtsBuild program demonstrates the growing recognition that the arts are an essential part of a city's economic and community fabric. By intentionally connecting local businesses with the creative sector, Chattanooga is positioning itself as a hub for innovation, talent attraction, and inclusive growth.