Director of Community Arts Development

Direct, Analytical, Caring, Silly, Chatterbox

I make a mean Chicken Paprikash and Spaetzle.

Shannon Ford is the Director of Community Arts Development at the Tennessee Arts Commission and works with government agencies and nonprofits to strengthen the arts’ presence and impact in Tennessee communities. He administers grants to local arts agencies, presenters, multi-disciplinary arts centers, and arts service organizations. He also leads the agency’s Creative Placemaking program and manages the Arts Build Communities decentralized funding program.

Prior to joining the Tennessee Arts Commission, he worked at the Ohio Arts Council for nine years in various capacities. He has a B.A. in Communication & Art from Trinity University and completed coursework towards a Master’s in Arts Policy and Administration at The Ohio State University.