Our Vision
The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (ACCE) recognizes that the arts can be an essential component that leads to shared prosperity, building community and economic growth. ACCE offers support to art entrepreneurs and creative businesses through workshops, special events and programs. ACCE works to build upon and expand the cultural ecosystem so that it is sustainable, ensuring access to arts and culture in every community in the city. ACCE collaborates with businesses, artists, creatives, arts and cultural organizations to bring, promote and produce events in public spaces. ACCE is dedicated to expanding the creative landscape of the city through partnerships, grants and incentives. ACCE is dedicated to presenting a wide variety of high-quality Public Art by managing the city's public art program, Public Art Chattanooga.
About Us
ACCE offers support to art entrepreneurs and creative businesses through workshops, special events and programs. ACCE works to build upon and expand the cultural ecosystem so that it is sustainable, e suring access to arts and culture throughout the city. ACCE collaborates with businesses, artists, cr atives, arts and cultural organizations to promote and produce events in public spaces. ACCE is dedica ed to presenting a wide variety of high quality Public Art by managing the city's public art program, Public Art Chattanooga.
Announcements
Public Art Chattanooga and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center hosted a dedication of the newly installed Unearthing Boldness by artist Rondell Crier, a tribute to Bessie Smith and Blue Goose Hollow.
The Blue Goose Hollow Artistic Trailhead Marker Project aims to celebrate Chattanooga's Black history by spotlighting Bessie Smith, who was born in the city in 1894 and rose to prominence as the "Empress of the Blues." Her influence on American music and the success of Black artists remains profound. Sadly, Blue Goose Hollow, once a predominantly Black community, was lost during redevelopment in the 1950s, displacing over 1,400 residents and demolishing more than 1,100 buildings.
Local artist Rondell Crier, renowned for his transformative artistry and community impact, was through a national call to artists to craft a marker honoring Bessie Smith and Blue Goose Hollow. Originating his career in New Orleans, Louisiana, with YAYA, a youth arts organization where he later became Creative Director for over a decade, Crier's journey led him to Chattanooga following Hurricane Katrina. Since then, he has become an integral figure, celebrated for his sculptures, murals, installations, and community projects illuminating and healing the city..Crier’s work, Unearthing Boldness, truly reflects the spirit and character of Black Chattanooga and of Bessie herself.
Beyond Chattanooga, Crier has exhibited widely across cities like Detroit, Houston, and Miami, earning accolades such as an artist residency grant from Glass House Collective and a Footprint Foundation Award. His commitment to merging art with activism is evident in projects like the mural at the Hunter Museum, showcasing his dedication and artistic prowess.
The Bessie Smith & Blue Goose Hollow Artistic Marker project is a collaborative effort involving the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Public Art Chattanooga, ArtsBuild, Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga Neighborhoods Arts Partnership, and RISE Chattanooga, with support from the Lyndhurst Foundation.
Responsibilities
ACCE maintains Chattanooga’s vibrant Public Art collection of over 190 works across the city of Chattanooga. Public Art Chattanooga (PAC) oversees all temporary and permanent public art projects on City of Chattanooga property and maintains the city’s public art collection of over 180 works.
PAC is administered by the City of Chattanooga and the Public Art Commission, partnering closely with the private sector to support public art projects throughout the City. The Mayor-appointed Public Art Commission reviews and approves all public art projects—ensuring artworks on city property meet city regulations and national standards for excellence. The PAC team provides resources and technical assistance for artist selection, artwork design, installation and maintenance, and also creates opportunities for community engagement through programming, education, and advocacy.
ACCE also works with numerous partners to provide programs including:
- Community center programs
- Film CHA (connecting upstart film/movie makers with our outdoor spaces)
- Film Screenings
- Working with Dynamo Studios
- Rise Chattanooga
- La Paz
- National Park Partners
- Tennessee Entertainment Commission
- Chattanooga National Park City
Leadership
Resources
- Arts, Culture & Creative Economy
Explore Public Art in Chattanooga. Check our most recent installations and art collections.
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- Public Art Chattanooga
Public art helps define Chattanooga by enhancing the public realm, stimulating dialogue, and building community.
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