Arts Nonprofits in Rutherford County Focus on Community, Culture, Economy
Located just half an hour from the Volunteer State’s capital of Nashville, Rutherford County is one of the fastest-growing areas in Tennessee, and a look at its assets – like rich history, delectable food and drink options, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation – makes it easy to see why.
Get the scoop on the exemplary arts scene from three of the region’s most active and influential nonprofits, which work to advance arts opportunities and initiatives: the Center for the Arts, Springhouse Theatre Company and Main Street Murfreesboro.
A Little Local Legend
The Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro, which houses the only free public art gallery in Rutherford County, is an intimate theater that makes a big impact, both locally and nationally.
“We want to advance more culture and art from an economic development and growth standpoint,” says Regina Ward, executive director.
This is done through its 10 to 14 annual theater productions as well as a slew of group and voice lessons and a youth program. Its art gallery also showcases local artists who sell their work. And it works: A study showed that between May 2022 and June 2023, the arts industry generated $26 million for the community.
On the other side of the coin, Ward says, is the fact that professional shows can be too pricey for a lot of folks.
“Going to downtown Nashville can be a financial barrier, but we’ve got shows where you can do something with a grandchild, a teenager, mom and dad, and your grandparents all in the same space,” Ward says. “That’s creating an experience and a memory, and we’re really thrilled to be a part of that.”
Small But Mighty
The Springhouse Theatre Company in Smyrna has been bringing family-friendly community theater to the area for 25 years. It’s also part of a greater community of area artists and venues who work together to collaborate and support each other.
“We’re very supportive of other theaters in the area,” says Will Sevier, arts outreach pastor at Springhouse Church. “We share and borrow items, costumes, set pieces.”
A volunteer-based theater, Springhouse is also a beloved space for folks to hone their crafts, from actors and producers to technicians and stagehands.
Equally impressive is that Springhouse also works to expand to new people on production staff for every show. All of this is in line with the theater’s goal to bring as much as possible to the community, which it does through an annual season of Main Stage shows, off-season Black Box productions, a youth company for middle and high school, and summer camps for first- through 12th-grade students.
“One of the things that is so important about the arts is it brings culture and humanity and empathy and understanding to the community,” Sevier says. “It teaches us to think, it teaches us to have compassion for others, and that’s something that we care about deeply.”
All Downtown, All the Time
Located at the Heritage Center, Main Street Murfreesboro is a prolific nonprofit dedicated to the growth and success of the downtown area. The organization achieves this largely through arts-related events held throughout the year.
“We create a lot of events that people may not even know we’re behind,” says Sarah Callender, executive director of Main Street Murfreesboro.
Some examples include:
- The Friday Night Live concerts, held from June through September.
- A farmers market that runs Saturdays from May through October and features 75 vendors.
- A quarterly Downtown After 5 series that showcases music and arts.
“It’s a good collaboration with the boutique stores and the restaurants that are already downtown,” Callender says.
The Christmas tree lighting in December is the last event of the year that helps the organization advance the core of its message – the heart of the community thrives in the downtown district.
An average of 2,000 visitors each week explore the downtown district’s 500+ locally owned shops and eateries, boosting the local economy.
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