THE UT DOWNTOWN GALLERY ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN
The UT Downtown Gallery opened its doors in 2004 — eight days after the Arts and Cultural Alliance unveiled the newly-remodeled Emporium Building next door. We are one of the original founding organizations within the downtown Knoxville art community. For over 20 years the gallery has debuted impactful exhibition experiences— from the first joint exhibition of Beauford and Joseph Delaney’s work to Violins of Hope, an exhibition of restored violins from the Holocaust — free of charge to all.
As the only public-facing University of Tennessee professional arts organization located within the community, the gallery creates thought-provoking cultural experiences, partners with community organizations, and contributes to the vibrancy of downtown Knoxville. The gallery has exhibited more than 1500 professional artists and 200 UT students. Our signature Education and Community programs contribute to the quality of life for all Knoxville residents — removing barriers to access and creating opportunities for students and community members to make meaningful connections with artists and their artwork. Over the last three years, we have engaged 944 middle and high school students, 994 community event attendees, and 205 UT students.
The UT Downtown Gallery depends on the generosity of donors and grant support—along with partial university funding—to keep our exhibitions and programs free to all. We ask for your support to create a $4,000,000 endowment.
With your support the UT Downtown Gallery will
- Expand our Community Events Program
- Grow our Secondary Education Program by sponsoring more Knox County Schools field trips— prioritizing Title I, UT Flagship, and nearby schools
- Grow graduate and undergraduate student engagement with the gallery
- Continue to offer free, transformative exhibitions