Building Bridges Through Creative Investments

Since our inception, we have been committed to enhancing community engagement and cultural development. With the opening of our community hub in 2022, which is located within East Chattanooga, we have made significant strides in fostering a vibrant local ecosystem by investing in collaborative partnerships with other community groups and organizations. By offering low cost / free space for various programming and events, RISE Chattanooga has become one of the major central hub for cultural and social initiatives in the city.

Our approach to community development is rooted in inclusivity and support for diverse voices. Through strategic partnerships, RISE Chattanooga has been able to host a wide range of events, from art exhibitions and musical performances to educational workshops and community forums. These collaborations not only enrich the cultural landscape of Chattanooga but also strengthen community bonds.

One of the key benefits of RISE Chattanooga’s investment in community space is the creation of opportunities for smaller groups and organizations that might not have access to adequate venues. By providing a platform for these groups, we help amplify their visibility and impact within the community.

Furthermore, these partnerships have facilitated a cross-pollination of ideas and resources, leading to innovative projects and initiatives that address various community needs. For instance, joint efforts with local educational initiatives have led to programs that focus on youth empowerment and education, while collaborations with community arts groups/organizations have brought attention to local artists and cultural narratives.



RISE Chattanooga’s commitment to community-centric development has not only elevated the organization's stature within Chattanooga but has also set a precedent for how community groups can effectively collaborate.

By continuing to invest in partnerships and providing low cost / free space for community engagement, RISE Chattanooga plans to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future as a dynamic and inclusive community.

Continued Blessings

Shane Morrow, Director

In efforts to not only strengthen the vibrancy of our city’s music scene, but also ensure that our local artists and performers have creative platforms to showcase their gifts and talents, we seek out collaborations with local venues that are open to provide performance opportunities.

Once the partnership is established, RISE Chattanooga directly works with selected artists and performers to assist with an array of services from event marketing strategies to rehearsal space as well as provide performance compensation to ensure the overall performance will be a memorable live music experiences for all.

THIS Thursday, May 23rd, we are extremely excited to partner with Songbirds Foundation to present a FREE evening of Jazz featuring Jazz Futures, a local trio of local Chattanooga jazz players comprised of Adam Stone on guitar, Given Graber on bass, and Mike Salter on drums.

These three have been playing together for a few years after meeting at various jazz jams and playing in combos consistently. Once again hosted by hometown hero and bass player extraordinaire, Dakari Kelly!

FREE Admission/Jam Participation; donations accepted

Doors at 7 PM, Show at 8 PM

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

RISE Chattanooga has a long-standing history of serving our community by transcending cultural barriers and creating an array of dynamic platforms where Chattanooga’s vibrant nucleus of creative joy, empowerment, community education, social justice, and cultural preservation can be curated and celebrated.

Below is a quick snapshot of the active programming and space opportunities we have provided so far this year. (January 2024 - April 2024)

A groundbreaking visual exhibit about Chattanooga’s first black professional photographer, Horace Brazelton, which was curated by local historian Stephanie Haire. The exhibit also showcased the works of Shelley L. King Jr., Herman Prater Jr., and Aaron Christopher Thomas, three local black contemporary photographers that embody Brazelton's pioneering spirit.

 Musical artist and producer, Seaux CHILL, curated a live performance and showcased the premiere of his latest project, Deep Currents.

Deep Currents is a 5 movement audiovisual art piece that amplifies the past, present, and future of Black culture and active history

The project is funded by The Joyce Foundation and is currently being showcased throughout the states.

 A powerful community reading and open discussion presented by Noogavision Theatre and Performing Arts Co.

"Luce" is a dramatic stage play that brings forth awareness and compassion to challenges that surround mental health and its impact on community, friends and family.

In February 2024 we created The Green Room, which is a monthly creative platform that showcases and places focus FULLY on the talents and gifts of our local artists/performers. It's the combination of featured live musical and poetic performances + community jam sessions. NO DEEP REHEARSALS! improvisation is welcomed and strongly encouraged. This event is free and open to the public.

In February 2022, RISE formed an partnership with WUTC 88.1 FM, Chattanooga Tennessee's NPR affiliate, licensed to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to curate a weekly series that brings together music and meaningful dialogue to further explore our city's social mobility and cultural affectation from a black perspective.

As we celebrate our 2nd year of this program, it was announced from WUTC's program staff that our show along with LatinoUSA are the 9 p.m. hour’s most listened-to shows all week!

Join us every Wednesday evening at 9pm for AMPLIFY.