State Rep. Brock Martin Secures $49K for Carroll, Gibson Counties

NASHVILLE — State Rep. Brock Martin, R-Huntingdon, today announced arts organizations in Carroll and Gibson counties will receive a combined $48,700 in state funding to support education and outreach programs.

Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center in Huntingdon will receive $40,000 while the Nite Lite Theatre in Trenton will receive $8,700. The Tennessee Arts Commission administers the grants.

“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening communities through the arts,” Martin said. “Investing in local creative programs not only supports education and tourism but also helps preserve the unique culture that makes West Tennessee special.”

The funding is part of $12.3 million allocated by the Tennessee General Assembly in the state’s 2025-26 budget for arts initiatives across all 95 counties.

The commission selects grant recipients through a competitive review process that includes input from citizen advisory panels with expertise in various arts disciplines.

Tennessee’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generates $1.4 billion in annual economic activity, supports more than 23,400 full-time equivalent jobs and plays a key role in education, tourism and community development.

For information about arts grant programs, visit tnartscommission.org.

Brock Martin represents House District 79, which includes parts of Carroll, Gibson and Henderson counties.