MAKE YOUR IMPACT
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville asks you to consider an investment in the UT Downtown Gallery. Establishing a $4,000,000 endowment ensures the UT Downtown Gallery’s long-term presence in the community so the gallery can continue to inspire, connect communities, embrace young makers, and forge meaningful connections on campus and across the community.
Endowment Funding Opportunities
NAMING THE GALLERY
A $2,000,000 endowment provides operational support for the UT Downtown Gallery in perpetuity. This endowment safeguards the gallery’s financial stability, ensuring the gallery remains a free, welcoming, and well-cared-for space, independent of program or exhibitions funding.
GALLERY MANAGER ENDOWMENT
A $1,000,000 endowment will ensure sustained annual funding for the Gallery Manager position. The Manager’s role is vital to the gallery’s community impact and connections with audiences, partners, and supporters. As an ambassador for the gallery and university, the Gallery Manager fosters trust, nurtures lasting artist and community relationships, and encourages sustained engagement with the gallery.
Our Secondary Education Program connects middle and high school students with contemporary art and expands access to meaningful education opportunities beyond the classroom. We host students free of charge, and design visits to inspire creativity, encourage critical thinking, and build lasting engagement with the arts.
Each $56,000 gift will endow an annual field trip to the gallery with a guided exhibition walk-through led by the current artist, free artist-curated art supply kits, and transportation support for Title I school partners.
Our Community Event Program expands connections to the arts and strengthens relationships with local communities. Through direct engagement with community organizations, we foster meaningful partnerships to ensure our exhibitions and programs resonate with the people we serve.
Each $45,000 gift will endow an annual community event. Exhibiting artists lead hands-on workshops or demonstration-based experiences in small group settings.
First Friday at the UT Downtown Gallery is a beloved Knoxville tradition and the gallery’s most popular event with over 4,800 attendees annually. The gallery has extended hours until 9pm on the First Friday of each month with the current exhibiting artist present for at least 3 of the 12 evenings.
Each $24,000 gift will endow a single First Friday event, supporting extended hours free to the public until 9pm.