While Vision 2020 is a non-profit organization, everything we do is in partnership with other organizations and groups. The first group of people we want to mention is the Tennessee Arts Commission.

The Tennessee Arts Commission mission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of Tennesseans and their communities.

When the Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967, it was given a special mandate by the General Assembly to stimulate and encourage the presentation of performing, visual and literary arts throughout the state and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. Through a variety of programs, the Commission has encouraged excellence in artistic expression through the state’s artists and arts organizations. That commitment has continued to expand through the years to ensure that the citizens of Tennessee have access to, and the opportunity to participate in the arts.

The Folk Medicine Festival falls under the Folklife program. Through the generosity of TAC we are able to present a variety of speakers, demonstrators, artists, and musicians that share their knowledge of the traditional arts of the Upper Cumberland region of Appalachia.

Funding, in large part, for TAC comes from the Tennessee Specialty License Plate Program.

The Macon County Arts Council

The Macon County Arts Council (MCAC) was chartered in 2007 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to stimulate interest and awareness in all forms of art for both children and adults.  MCAC is governed by a board of directors composed of artists, teachers and local business owners. The organization has grown to include support of the arts and artists in three areas: Children’s Programs, Community Arts and Artists’ Services.

“Arts” is defined by MCAC as a spectrum that includes all genre of music, performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, and local folk life. MCAC seeks to encourage creative expression in all the arts through its programs and events. The art council also views itself as an outlet for continuing education in the arts for both children and adults.

MCAC offers most of its programs and events at no cost to the public. Funding is made available through grants from organizations including the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Upper Cumberland Development District, state and local government. Funding is also provided through corporate and individual sponsorships.

MCAC is the sponsor of the Arts and Crafts Market at the Folk Medicine Festival each year. They have been extremely helpful in guiding us through several arts projects such as the Walking Quilt Trail and the Quilt Mural on the side of the Step Back in Time Shop.

For more information about the Macon County Arts Council click the logo below.