Innovation Center

Overview

Chattanooga has a wonderfully rich performing arts community, but for it to keep growing, we’ve got to make sure we’re accommodating the needs of our local artists in new ways.

WHAT WE HEARD:

Through months of research, outreach, and listening to our community, we’ve determined that there are three specific and urgent needs that are holding back our local performing arts sector:

  1. There isn’t enough high-quality classroom or rehearsal space that individual artists, new organizations, educators, and community-based groups can access and afford.

  2. There aren’t enough small and flexible theater facilities for new and original work.

  3. There aren't enough shop facilities for designing and building costumes, props, sets, lighting, and other technical elements.

WHAT’S AT STAKE:

Simply put, artists are working harder and spending more money on rehearsal and production spaces that do not always suit their needs. If we are serious about wanting creatives to thrive here, we need to provide dedicated spaces where they can do so.

WHAT THE DATA SHOWS:

Extensive analysis of over 100 existing spaces identified critical gaps in accessibility and functionality. Proposed solutions address unmet needs rather than duplicating current assets.

THE GAP IN THE

ECOSYSTEM:

This project complements rather than competes with other major cultural institutions because it will serve a very different function: by meeting the unique needs of local emerging artists and craftspeople, including performers, designers, directors, choreographers, and educators.

WHAT’S NEXT:

The study is in its second phase, engaging physical planning and business models. The potential facility’s location, cost, and governance model are still to be determined, and additional research and community input are underway to arrive at the right solution for each.

WHY THE PROCESS MATTERS:

It is important to note that any new facility will be a process as much as a place. The collaboration and cohesion we continue to build among local artists and organizations throughout this process are invaluable, regardless of where (or if) a new space is actually constructed.

WHO & WHEN:

This process is being supported by the Lyndhurst Foundation and ArtsBuild. The first phase of their research commenced in Fall 2024 and was unveiled to the public in Summer 2025. The second phase is now underway and is set to be shared in Winter 2026.