January 22, 2024
A panel of industry experts and editors at USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards has chosen Knoxville as a nominee for Best Arts District in its 2024 poll. This is the second consecutive year Knoxville has been nominated to join 20 other top contenders. Annually, the awards highlight outstanding destinations and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations.
In 2023 Knoxville’s arts district was voted No. 4 nationwide, garnering more support than districts in Chicago, Denver, Houston and other much larger cities.
Individuals can help Knoxville place by voting here or at downtownknox.org/vote daily from Monday, Jan. 22, at noon until Monday, Feb. 19, at noon.
“Art has no bounds in Knoxville,” said Liza Zenni, executive director of the Arts & Culture Alliance. “Art is everywhere – in and around downtown and taking many forms. We are fortunate to enjoy live music at historic venues, creative menus curated by award-winning chefs and bartenders, inspiring visual art in and outside galleries and many other forms of expression in every area of Knoxville.”
Experiences like the First Friday ArtWalk and open-air markets in Market Square and the Old City are other examples of how Knoxville promotes the full spectrum of art year-round. The city also boasts a multitude of talent including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, an official poet laureate each year, theater companies, makers, wood and metal workers, dance studios and much more.
“Vibrancy reverberates through Knoxville because of our artists,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “From diverse cultural festivals across town to our artistic centers like the Emporium Center and Knoxville Museum of Art in Downtown Knoxville, this city is an excellent place to explore and create. We also have the benefit of local businesses, nonprofits and generous individuals that support these endeavors, expanding and enriching Knoxville’s art scene.”
Learn more about Downtown Knoxville art events and locations at downtownknoxville.org, and connect with the city’s art initiatives at knoxalliance.com.
About the Downtown Knoxville Alliance
Ensuring a vibrant, flourishing downtown is the primary mission of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance (DKA). Formed in 1993 as a Central Business Improvement District (CBID), the district encompasses a 0.67-square-mile area and is supported by a special assessment to property owners that is used to make improvements, enhance services and promote downtown. The DKA continually focuses on attracting and retaining a thriving community of residents, businesses and visitors in Downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit downtownknoxville.org.
About the Arts & Culture Alliance
The Alliance was created in 2001 through a highly participatory community-driven process. Its predecessor was the Arts Council of Greater Knoxville, formed in 1974. The mission of the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville is to serve and support a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable nonprofit organization. For more information, visit knoxalliance.com.
