Who/what is Arts & Ag?
Arts & Ag began in 2012 as a group of three women, Vanessa Davis, Nicole Lewis and Antonia Meadors, endeavored to create a back roads tour of farms and studios across the beautiful, rural Tennessee area of Hickman County. The success of the Arts & Ag Tour inspired the trio to continue their collaboration, as volunteers, under the name Arts & Ag.
The mission of Arts & Ag is to provide an open network for independently owned, craft-based and agrarian businesses and to promote those local businesses to the public. Furthermore, Arts & Ag will provide educational opportunities for the community about the arts, cottage industry and sustainable farming. Through these efforts we hope to raise awareness, encourage creativity, increase agri-tourism and commerce in Hickman County, and support the practice of small-scale, sustainable agriculture.
What is the Hickman County Arts & Ag Tour?
The Hickman County Arts & Ag Tour is a FREE two day self-guided tour of farms on the back roads of Hickman County Tennessee and takes place annually on Memorial Day weekend (Friday & Saturday). Natural and historic landmarks, community centers and other points of interest are also highlighted. Each destination on the map features an agricultural element combined with local artists including crafters, writers, musicians etc. Activities include farm tours, demonstrations, arts, crafts, food, music, and more.
What is new about the Tour in 2013?
In 2013, the Arts & Ag Tour is expanding the activities offered at each stop by layering agriculture with arts, crafts and music.
We are setting consistent hours and asking that each tour stop be open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day they are participating (with the exception of stops who have music lined up for later in the evening). The consistent time will help visitors plan their trip through the county and make the event schedule easier to understand.
More press coverage will include a featured article in the spring issue of Local Table Magazine and a monthly artist spotlight in Validity Magazine.
We’ll be increasing our focus on Hickman County agricultural heritage by adding more community centers and highlighting Century Farms.
Who can participate?
Farms (small sustainable farms), Century Farms, Fine Artists, Musicians, Artisans & Crafters, Writers, Thespians. We are also welcoming Community Centers & Churches to participate at a reduced rate, please inquire. You can participate in both days or just one (although we recommend both days, if you can!)
How much does it cost?
To get your name and info on the map is $45. The fee must be submitted by March 30, 2013 (with your application). We can only accept cash payments and we will happily provide each vendor with a receipt as soon as we receive your payment. Space is limited, please don’t delay!
MUSICIANS — the fee is waived for you if you are willing to perform at a stop for the day (or both days). You are welcome (and encouraged) to set up a table or tent area to promote yourself, sell cds, pass out info, etc.
CHURCHES & COMMUNITY CENTERS – there is no cost for these groups to be a part of the Tour. We welcome you to participate at your location to fundraise by doing something related to arts or agriculture: craft sale, bake sale, home-cooked plates, cookbooks, tractor display, maybe start a community garden . . . get creative!
How do I apply?
Fill out the application available for download here. Deadline to apply is March 30, 2013. Drop off your application and payment (cash only, please) to Antonia Meadors at Wild Duck Soup Emporium (our Unofficial Arts & Ag Headquarters!) at 105 S. Public Square, Centerville, TN 37033 or mail to her at that address. You will be provided with a receipt.
What does my money go towards?
Your payment gets your name and info on the map which is kept by many visitors as a souvenir and as future reference for shopping in the Hickman County area. The vendor fees pay for advertising, the printing of maps, postcards and other promotional materials. If you send us pictures and info about yourself, it will also get you a post on the Arts & Ag blog and our Facebook page. We want to brag about you so, don’t be shy, please help us in that way! We will also be featuring our participants in the newspaper and Validity magazine. The Arts & Ag team does not keep any of the money for themselves, they operate entirely on a volunteer basis – and there is a lot of time and energy put into this event because we’re so proud of the great talent and hard work that you do for this community!
ArtsandAg 