Two recent studies commissioned by the Metro Arts Commission will guide critical next steps for the agency as a change agent in the Nashville arts landscape. The Comparison Study shows that not only does Nashville invest less in the arts compared to peer cities, but - when factoring in inflation and the city’s growth - Nashville’s arts funding has actually declined over time. The Disparity Study underscores that this lack of resources affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led arts organizations disproportionately.