Tennessee Performing Arts Center

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), located in the James K. Polk Cultural Center in downtown Nashville, is a cornerstone of the performing arts and cultural scene in Tennessee. Founded in 1980, TPAC has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of audience members annually with a diverse array of performances and educational programs. TPAC is home to a broad range of genres, including Broadway, comedy, dance, drama, educational events, family programming, live music, opera, podcast, theatre, and variety events. It hosts the HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series, as well as carefully curated series in dance, theatre, and family programming, along with special engagements and the productions of its three resident artistic companies: Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and Nashville Repertory Theatre. TPAC's commitment to arts education is evident in its extensive programs that span from pre-school to high school, educators, and adults. It administers one of the most comprehensive arts education programs in the United States, with initiatives such as TPAC InsideOut, which provides insight into the theater's behind-the-scenes, and a variety of camps and arts adventures. Signature programs include the Season for Young People, Disney Musicals in Schools, Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts, and the Spotlight Awards, which celebrates high school theatre students. The center's mission is to champion excellence in the performing arts and arts education, fostering support for resident companies and community partners, and serving as an inclusive place for all to enjoy enriching experiences that promote economic vitality. TPAC's core values include inclusion, artistic excellence, innovation, collaboration, and purposeful service, reflecting its dedication to being a cultural pioneer that believes in the arts for all people. TPAC operates out of four performance venues: Andrew Jackson Hall, James K. Polk Theater, Andrew Johnson Theater, and the historic War Memorial Auditorium. The center was proposed by private citizens led by Martha Ingram in 1972 and was established with both private and state funding. The TPAC Management Corporation, a unique nonprofit organization, was created by the legislature to oversee the public-private partnership, with a focus on providing affordable performance spaces and educational experiences. Over its four decades, TPAC has welcomed over 14 million audience members and served more than 2 million students, educators, and adults. It has been recognized for its artistic excellence and educational outreach, including receiving the Governor's Award for Artistic Excellence in 1984. Today, TPAC continues to be a dream realized for many, serving as a gathering place for the community and a contributor to Nashville's economy by attracting industry, creating jobs, and generating revenue. TPAC's commitment to diversity, inclusion, access, and equity is reflected in initiatives like the Arts Access Program and the TPAC Internship Program, which aim to bring diverse stories and experiences to the forefront and cultivate the next generation of arts professionals. In acknowledgment of the historical significance of its location, TPAC recognizes the land upon which it stands as originally belonging to the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Chickasaw tribes, honoring their legacy and cultural values. TPAC invites everyone to become part of its ongoing story of growth, success, and service, as it continues to play a vital role in the cultural life of Tennessee and beyond.