For the fourth consecutive year, First Horizon Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to the arts by renewing its support of the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts Ticket Subsidy Program. As the founding donor of the initiative, First Horizon Foundation’s continued support has helped the program grow into a vital community resource, providing thousands of children and teens the opportunity to experience the arts.

Established in 2023 through First Horizon Foundation’s initial gift, the Ticket Subsidy Program was created to remove financial barriers and ensure that children and youth, regardless of their backgrounds, can experience the transformative power of live performances at little to no cost.  Since its launch, the program has continued to thrive. During the 2025-2026 season alone, more than 2,000 students attended performances through the program.

“First Horizon is proud to partner with the ETSU Martin Center to provide access to the arts to children throughout our community,” said Greg Perdue, First Horizon Bank Tri Cities Market President. “For over 160 years, we have been investing in our communities so that everyone can thrive, and this is yet another example of our commitment to that end.”

Jennifer Clements, Executive Director of the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, expressed her appreciation for First Horizon Foundation’s continued commitment to the program. “We are deeply grateful to First Horizon Foundation for their ongoing support and continued investment in this program, which makes it possible for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theater,” said Clements. “It is incredibly meaningful to see this support continue year after year, expanding access and ensuring more young people can be inspired, engaged, and captivated by the magic of the arts.”

Since First Horizon Foundation’s initial $5,000 gift in December of 2023, the Ticket Subsidy Program has enabled the ETSU Martin Center to collaborate with local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to provide tickets to children and families throughout the region. As the program continues to grow, the ETSU Martin Center remains committed to expanding access to meaningful cultural experiences that inspire creativity, curiosity, and lifelong appreciation for the arts.

For more information on the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts and the Ticket Subsidy Program, please visit ETSUMartinCenter.org.

About the Martin Center for the Arts: The 93,000 square foot ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, located at 1320 W. State of Franklin Road, Johnson City, features three venues, as well as three rehearsal/meeting rooms. Construction on the center began in early 2018 and was completed in fall 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. The ETSU Foundation Grand Hall can seat nearly 1,200.

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