Established in 1988, Arts at the Airport at Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) is an ever-evolving showcase of Tennessee’s cultural diversity and creative talent. The terminal and surrounding facilities were designed to incorporate rotating public art exhibits and permanent acquisitions.
Arts at the Airport is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is supported largely by BNA and through grants from the Metro Nashville Arts Commission and the Tennessee Arts Commission. The Arts at the Airport program is housed within the Community Affairs department at BNA and overseen by a Curator and governed by a 15-member Board of Directors.
The award-winning Arts at the Airport program selects and presents works by local, regional, and national artists for the enjoyment and enrichment of BNA’s passengers and visitors.
In addition, the BNA offices house a large collection of original works. The collection includes 239 pieces in various styles and media, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and mixed media on paper. The collection was created to spotlight contemporary Tennessee artists, including some of the state’s most acclaimed creators.
Arts at the Airport is not limited to visual art. Because music is an integral part of Nashville, musical performances are located on stages in the passenger terminal. Performances feature a variety of musical styles including traditional and contemporary country, rhythm and blues, jazz, pop, gospel, and bluegrass.
Performance stages are located in several areas:
- The stage at the A/B Waiting Lounge (pre-security)
- The stage at Green Beans Coffee Co. (pre-security)
- The A/B Rotunda near Tennessee Brew Works (post-security)
- The BNA® Live Stage in the Concourse C Food Court (post-security)
In addition, many concession areas throughout the terminal host musical artists, adding to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for passengers and visitors alike.
