Issues

The culture and the vibe of Memphis is authentic and unlike any other city in America.

Memphis has soul. You can’t bottle it. You can’t pick it up and take it somewhere else. This is not Anywhere, USA. One can feel the difference here and we should promote that. We should brand ourselves as one of the most diverse cities in America, and the arts and culture that we embody should lead the way. This is an economic development strategy and I believe the City should champion this message.

• Establish new signature events that highlight Memphis’ talent and bring in tourism. Ensure the events appeal to both Memphians AND visitors. 

• Identify successful cultural programs in Memphis and expand available grant funds to allow them to grow.

• Create a position in the Mayor’s Office to serve as a liaison for arts and culture programming in the City.

• Listen and engage with the artistic community (Memphians and Memphians abroad) to identify additional strategies aimed at leveraging Memphis’ greatest cultural assets.