Welcome to the Division of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.

This is our newest department in Parks and Outdoors. We are proud to promote Public Art Chattanooga and look forward to bringing MORE to our local parks through the arts, dance, music and culture.

Pictured above is our latest public art installation "DREAMY" 

“Dreamy” by Wowhaus opened May 25th at East Lake Park
(3000 E 34th St, Chattanooga, TN 37407). Stop by and let the kids play and take pictures with the beautiful swans, we don't mind!

Awakening at Moonrise (pictured left)
April 23 - 5:00 pm

Experience a curated blend of meditation, breathwork, gentle movement, sound, and forest bathing in this unique gathering. Rejuvenate your spirit amidst the natural beauty of the Riverwalk with public art specialist Kate Kirnie and Yoga/Sound Bathing instructor Surreina Gallegos Gerbman. Culminating in a sunset hike guided by Shawanna Kendricks of H2O Life.
1503 MIDDLE STREET  

In January of 2024, Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors welcomed Elizabeth Carriger as Public Art Chattanooga new Manager of Public Art! With over twelve years of experience activating communities through art and place making, Elizabeth brings a wealth of expertise. She supported Arlington County, Virginia’s renowned public art program, managing numerous community focused projects and overseeing the care of over 70 works of public art. Her extensive background includes roles in Washington, DC, and Chattanooga , TN, showcasing her ability to manage the entire life cycle of public art projects. We’re excited to have Elizabeth on board to elevate our artistic initiatives! Got a question? Reach out at ecarriger@chattanooga.gov.

Notes in Nature
April 27 - 11 am

Join us for a harmonious celebration of nature and music at our ‘Notes in Nature’! Embark on a self guided,
progressive light hike through the scenic trails of
Greenway Farm, where the enchanting melodies of live musical performances await you. This unique event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public, inviting all to revel in the beauty of the outdoors while enjoying the uplifting tunes that accompany the journey. Immerse yourself in the
perfect blend of nature and music – an unforgettable experience that promises joy for all ages.

Latest CPAC August Minutes.

Amended CPAC Minutes 
To achieve our goal, we are happy to announce Carmen Davis as the ACC administrator.

“With her extensive knowledge of the local arts community and her demonstrated commitment to community service, Carmen brings a tremendous amount of passion and leadership to the City’s new Division of Culture, Arts, and Creative Economy,” said Mayor Kelly. “As division director, she will play a vital role in integrating art into our public spaces and events, while elevating local artists’ contributions to building and sustaining our community.”

The division’s alignment within the Department of Parks and Outdoors will allow Davis to scale her efforts to better connect the arts to the community. The new division will be able to leverage the city’s broader infrastructure to support the arts community, through communication resources to grant writing to community engagement assistance.

Davis brings more than two decades of experience in facilitating civic engagement around arts and entertainment, most recently serving as a Program Management Coordinator with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

“Carmen has a real passion for community service—a passion she has used to benefit local non-profits on behalf of BlueCross for seven years,” said Scott Wilson, Vice President of Corporate Communications and community Relations at BlueCross. “BlueCross will miss her, but I’m excited to watch what she’ll do when she applies her talent and drive to building community through the arts in Chattanooga.”

For over a decade, Davis served as Curator and Program Director for the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, where her work helped position the Bessie Smith as a cultural pillar and vital community space for Chattanooga. She also served on the Hamilton County Human Rights Commission under former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker and on the Entertainment and Attractions Committee for Chattanooga Forward, under former Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.

Davis has co-founded a number of community-based organizations and projects, all with a common theme of connection and service within Chattanooga and Hamilton County. She remains active in the community, volunteering her time on multiple boards and with multiple local community organizations throughout the city.