In August of 2019 the community opened a new, state-of-the-art music center in Nashville. It is a $12 million building that has already had a significant impact (increase) on overnights, restaurants and local businesses including artists. A local group of artists has partnered with the music center to open a gallery on-site in the music center's lobby. It is called Gallery 200 and the music center does not charge any fee or take any percentage (commission) from gallery sales. The first exhibit was all Brown County artists showing a variety of art pieces. Local AirBNB rentals have also increased along with tourist home rentals.
This past year over 1/2 of the downtown Nashville's business properties went up for auction as a result of the estate being settled of local business and community leader, Andy Rogers. All but one of the properties were purchased by local individuals with plans to rehab and reopen many of the closed business as well as continue with rental agreements for existing shop owners, many who are locals.
The previously mentioned opening of the new 2,000 seat music center is a new focal point for tourism with a very positive economic impact. Other events that continue to draw tourist at increasing numbers include: Artistic Colony Weekend, Brown County Back Road Studio Tour, several local music festivals and competitions that draw nationally and, some, internationally (Ukefest, John Hartford Memorial Festival, Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival, Uncle Pen Fest, Fingerstyle Guitar Festival and Competition, to name a few).
A local producer, Lisa Hall, shared the story of new connections made during the Living Art Colony Project with the Pioneer Women of Brown County. Mrs. Hall wrote a book that pairs with the nationally acclaimed film series, The Addict's Wake. This book, Avie's Hope, was specifically written for children impacted by substance use disorder in their families.
During the time of the Living Art Colony Project, Mrs. Hall was able to share her vision of a "comfort" item that met her book production goals by working with the Brown County Pioneer Women. This resulted in a collaboration with the Pioneer Women to create handmade "comfort" items specifically for her book project.
Without the collaboration and commitment to working across entities within the Cultural District, this remarkable partnership could not have been achieved. It is these types of connections that inspire community members to work together for positive outcomes that enrich everyone.
