North Nashville Arts Coalition (NNAC) Market Research Report
Background
Overview
The North Nashville Arts Coalition (NNAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists in North Nashville by providing access and opportunities for equitable growth. Established in 2015, NNAC aims to foster a community that enriches the cultural legacy of Tennessee through the arts.
Mission and Vision
- Mission: To advance BIPOC artists in North Nashville by providing access and opportunity to equitably thrive and to foster a community that enriches the legacy of art in Tennessee.
- Vision: To have a permanent safe place as a haven for BIPOC artists to create, celebrate, educate, and preserve the cultural legacy of North Nashville.
Primary Area of Focus
NNAC focuses on supporting BIPOC artists in North Nashville, aiming to provide them with resources, education, and opportunities to thrive within the community. This includes organizing events, offering mentorship, and advocating for equitable access to the arts.
Industry Significance
NNAC plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of North Nashville, particularly in the face of challenges such as gentrification. By supporting BIPOC artists, NNAC contributes to the diversity and vibrancy of the arts scene in Nashville and Tennessee.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Support for BIPOC Artists: Providing resources, education, and opportunities for BIPOC artists to thrive.
- Community Enrichment: Fostering a community that celebrates and preserves the cultural legacy of North Nashville.
- Equitable Access: Ensuring equitable access to the arts for all members of the community.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- Event Organization: Hosting cultural events such as the North Nashville Culture Crawl to showcase local artists.
- Artist Support: Offering mentorship, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for artists.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with the community through art-related programming and events.
Key Technologies Utilized
As a non-profit arts organization, NNAC primarily utilizes digital platforms for event promotion, community engagement, and resource sharing. This includes social media channels, email newsletters, and their official website.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
NNAC targets the North Nashville community, focusing on BIPOC artists and residents. The organization also engages with the broader Nashville arts community and seeks to influence policies related to arts funding and support.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
NNAC operates as a non-profit organization, relying on donations, grants, and community support to fund its initiatives. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.
Notable Investors
While specific investors are not publicly listed, NNAC has received support from various community members, local businesses, and organizations committed to arts and cultural preservation.
Intended Utilization of Capital
Funds are utilized to support artist education, community art events, and the vision project of establishing a permanent home for art and creativity in North Nashville.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
NNAC focuses on developing and supporting local BIPOC artists through various programs and events. While specific pipeline candidates are not publicly detailed, the organization emphasizes nurturing talent within the community.
Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development
As an arts organization, NNAC does not engage in clinical trials or product development. Instead, it focuses on community programs, events, and artist support initiatives.
Target Conditions
NNAC addresses challenges such as gentrification, lack of access to resources for BIPOC artists, and the need for cultural preservation in North Nashville.
Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
NNAC hosts annual events like the North Nashville Culture Crawl, with the next event scheduled for October 11, 2025.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
NNAC utilizes digital platforms for event promotion, community engagement, and resource sharing, including their official website and social media channels.
Significant Scientific Methods
As an arts organization, NNAC does not employ scientific methods or AI-driven capabilities.
Leadership Team
Executive Profiles
- Elisheba Mrozik, President: Founder and fine artist, Mrozik became the first licensed Black tattoo artist in Middle Tennessee in 2011. She established One Drop Ink Tattoo Parlour and Gallery and now focuses on providing fine art with community purpose through large-scale public art and community engagement.
- Angela McDowell, Secretary: Founder of I Love Paperwork, LLC, McDowell is a Fisk University alum deeply involved in the creative community, serving as Secretary for NNAC and as an Artistic Evaluator for the Minnesota State Arts Board.
- Drew Lamb, CPA, Treasurer: After graduating from Belmont in 2014, Lamb worked for Avenue Bank and later pursued his Master’s in Accountancy at Vanderbilt, becoming a CPA and starting his accounting firm KLLW, focusing on non-profit accounting.
- Matthew McCoy, Board Member: Founder and lead vocalist for MD and Cobalt Blue, McCoy is recognized for supporting Reggae Music and Caribbean Culture in Nashville. He was honored by the Tennessee Rhythm and Blues Society and the Mayor's Office for his musical contributions.
- Lakesha Moore, Board Member: With degrees from Washington University and the University of Tennessee, Moore has worked in North Nashville as a secondary art teacher and served as Assistant Professor and Art Education Coordinator at Tennessee State University. She is currently the Gallery Coordinator at Fisk University.
- Joseph Bazelais, Board Member: A small business and relationship coach, Bazelais is a co-founder of several initiatives, including Ether Collective, The Water Bear Co-op Land Trust, and Kwanzaa Nashville. He focuses on cultivating leaders in holistic communities.
- ArJae Thompson, Board Member: A multi-disciplinary creator and culture keeper, Thompson uses murals, paintings, and animation to inspire and celebrate the community. They are particularly interested in depicting those who have fought for the rights, freedom, and liberation of others.
- Robert Jones, Board Member: An artist, musician, and entrepreneur, Jones founded Overton Arts in 2018, emphasizing community support and engagement. He also works as the building manager at the 100 Taylor Arts Collective.
- Gerika Ross, Board Member: A versatile artist and facilitator, Ross is involved in screenprinting, teaching tie-dye classes, assisting in murals, and planning/executing NNAC events. She is known for her community involvement and artistic contributions.
- Cait Mello, Board Member: An artist and advocate for inclusive access to art, Mello focuses on public art spaces and thought-provoking themes. She serves as an Artist in Residency for the Metro Public School system and was named Nashville’s 2023 Creative Arts Innovator by Creative Girls Rock.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The arts and culture sector in Nashville is vibrant, with numerous organizations dedicated to various artistic disciplines. NNAC operates within this dynamic environment, focusing on BIPOC artists in North Nashville.
Competitor Analysis
- Total Arts Coalition (TAC): A non-profit organization dedicated to arts education, TAC focuses on inspiring and empowering individuals of all ages through high-quality arts instruction, with a special emphasis on training exceptional teachers and partnering with K-12 schools.
- Arts Equity Nashville (AEN): A coalition advocating for equitable arts funding and distribution, AEN calls for Nashville to dedicate 1% of its total budget to arts funding, with at least half going to smaller organizations and independent artists.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
NNAC collaborates with various organizations to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity. Notably, in May 2021, Metro Arts was awarded a $75,000 NEA Our Town grant for a partnership with Project.
