MAYOR APPROVES INITIAL FUNDS FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
$1.8 million for pre-development work to be considered at Budget and Finance Committee meeting tonight
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 4, 2008) -Nashville Mayor Karl Dean has approved $1.8 million in Metro funds to be used on pre-development work for the Museum of African American Music, Art & Culture.
The funding is part of $10 million the Metropolitan Government of Nashville committed to the African American History Foundation of Nashville Inc. for the construction of the museum planned to be built at Jefferson Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard in North Nashville.
The foundation will be reimbursed by the city for pre-construction expenses, including architectural and engineering services, up to $1.8 million. The remaining funds will be authorized when the foundation completes other fundraising efforts needed to support the $30 million project.
“This museum is a fitting tribute to the role African-Americans have played in our city’s rich history of music and art, and there’s no better location for it than Jefferson Street,” Dean said. “I am pleased with the foundation’s fundraising success to date and I look forward to fulfilling the rest of the city’s $10 million commitment in the near future.”
Kevin P. Lavender, foundation chairman, said: “We truly appreciate Mayor Dean and the city of Nashville for recognizing the importance of a cultural center dedicated to highlighting the creative contributions of African Americans both locally and nationally. The museum will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown and the Jefferson Street district and will support the local economy by creating another tourist destination for our community. The Museum of African American Music, Art & Culture will support our city’s musical brand and will aid Nashville in attracting millions of visitors to Music City every year.”
The Council’s Budget and Finance Committee will consider the funding at a regularly scheduled meeting tonight. If approved, a vote will be taken on a resolution authorizing the use of funds at the full Council meeting on Thursday, Aug. 7.
For media inquiries contact:
Bonna Johnson
615-862-6461
bonna.johnson@nashville.gov