RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Arts have a major impact on communities far and wide. Not only do they make cities and states more attractive, they also serve as a tool that is often used to attract educated commercial growth. The Rutherford Arts Alliance (RAA), commemorating its five-year anniversary this year, says the economic impact of the arts is significant... Despite the hardship of the country coming out of the COVID Pandemic in 2022, Rutherford County saw economic activity tied to the arts grow by 68%.

Lucy Langworthy from the MTSU College of Liberal Arts told WGNS a bronze sculpture of a heart to indicate Rutherford County is in the heart of Tennessee is in the works and as the RAA gains momentum on a dynamic road-map for the future, additional plans are on the drawing board... Avenues to cover the cost of a larger performing arts center will be further explored in the near future.

The organization has ambitious initiatives and as new residents make the move into Rutherford County, it will be important to get them involved in the local art scene... Bolstering community engagement will amplify the cultural vibrancy of the community.

A significant milestone on RAA's horizon is the appointment of its inaugural paid part-time Executive Director, a move aimed at providing strategic leadership and operational guidance to the organization. You can learn more by visiting the RAA's website, RutherfordArtsAlliance.org.

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST: To hear the entire interview with Lucy Langworthy, click the PLAY button below the photo at the top of this article. Langworthy was on the air with WGNS' Scott Walker.