Download PDF about the Create Appalachia Sponsorship Opportunities
Create Appalachia Announces New Opportunities to Strengthen the Region’s Creative Economy
Create Appalachia is expanding its impact across Northeast Tennessee with a new slate of programs and initiatives designed to support creative entrepreneurs, nurture emerging talent, and strengthen the region’s innovation-driven economy. Following a FY 2024 economic impact of $3.14 million, the organization is launching several strategic projects aimed at widening access to creative career pathways and growing the region’s cultural infrastructure.
“We’re focused on building a region where creatives can stay, work, and thrive,” said Katie Hoffman, Executive Director. “These initiatives help us reach deeper into rural communities, expand professional development, and highlight the creative sector as a powerful economic engine.”
Key Opportunities for 2025–2026
Create Appalachia Gallery
A $15,000 investment will support expanded exhibit programming, improved gallery infrastructure, and part-time operational assistance. This initiative moves the gallery toward becoming Appalachia’s first digital creative placemaking hub.
Arts@Work Professional Development Series
With a goal of $5,000–$10,000, this long-standing series offers expert-led workshops on branding, promotion, writing artist statements, and digital self-marketing—empowering creatives with essential career-building skills.
Creative Entrepreneurship Bootcamps
In partnership with FoundersForge, Create Appalachia is launching tailored entrepreneurship bootcamps designed specifically for creatives, including rural cohorts. The program aims to raise $15,000–$21,000, with each cohort costing $5,000–$7,000 to deliver.
Cutting Edge Kingsport: A Downtown Digital Experience
This interactive digital art installation—supported by local partners including Downtown Kingsport Association, Kingsport Cultural Arts, ETSU Digital Media, and DBExcel—seeks $10,000–$25,000 to bring digital makers’ work to life in public spaces throughout downtown.
Technology Sponsorship
To ensure programming remains at the forefront of industry standards, Create Appalachia seeks $20,000–$30,000 in annual technology support. Funds will update software, equipment, production labs, and the organization’s traveling tech lab.
Digital Art & Media Summer Camps
Expanding their popular animation and game design camps, Create Appalachia plans to add an off-site rural program. Each week of camp requires $5,000–$7,000, making sponsorship essential to keeping the camps accessible to middle and high school students across the region.
A Call to Regional Stakeholders
Create Appalachia invites community partners, businesses, and regional leaders to join in supporting these initiatives. “Every investment—large or small—helps build a more resilient, innovative, and opportunity-rich Appalachian economy,” Hoffman said. “Together, we can create a future where creative talent fuels long-term growth for our entire region.”
For more information about partnership opportunities or to support these initiatives, contact Create Appalachia at katie@createappalachia.org or 423-390-1372.
