The Creative Placemaking: Rural Arts Facilities Fund (RAFF) grants program supports rural communities in Tennessee by funding projects to build, renovate, or expand arts and cultural facilities. These grants aim to strengthen local economies and communities by enhancing arts programming, creating jobs, promoting tourism, and improving quality of life. Eligible projects include performing arts centers, museums, galleries, multi-purpose arts centers, amphitheaters, and mobile stages, with outdoor facilities required to demonstrate plans for regular programming. Applicants can request up to $200,000, and while a dollar-for-dollar match is not required, budgets must include all related expenses and income.

Applications must showcase a commitment to arts programming, cross-sector community support, plans for revenue generation and facility management, and long-term sustainability. The program is highly competitive, and funding depends on the project’s merit, its alignment with program goals, and the availability of funds. The Tennessee Arts Commission prioritizes applications from distressed or at-risk counties and seeks diverse project designs and geographic representation.

RAFF builds upon the Tennessee Arts Commission’s broader Creative Placemaking efforts and initiatives like the Tennessee Stages program, which highlights performing arts stages across the state. This program emphasizes the importance of rural arts facilities as community assets. Grant applicants should note that this program is part of the Commission's efforts to accelerate the transformation of rural areas through the arts and creative sector.