Local Artist Captures “The First Ten Years”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Music City Center President and Chief Executive
Officer Charles Starks joined Convention Center Authority board members
and guests today to unveil new artwork to celebrate the facility’s
10th anniversary.
The one-of-a-kind piece, titled “The First Ten Years,” is the work
of local artist Tony Sobota. It measures 96” x 192” and consists of
an acrylic painting on interlocking birch panels. The design concept was
chosen for its creativity in representing the facility’s recent
milestone. The artwork was commissioned in November and installed in
February. It was kept under wraps until today’s unveiling.
“The primary inspiration for this commission came from the towering,
iconic, uniquely undulating structure of the Music City Center
itself,” Sobota said. “This painting is a celebration of the
dedicated teams of people who help that building and its many parts
function at such a high level.”
“This beautiful piece not only commemorates a decade of success but
also represents a commitment to our future,” said Starks. “By making
this part of our existing art collection, we’re able to showcase
another local artist in our community and ultimately enhance the
experience for guests in our building for the next ten years.”
Music City Center officially marked its tenth year of operation in May
2023. In the first ten years, the facility generated $3.3 billion in
direct economic impact for the greater Nashville region by hosting 2,335
events with 4.4 million attendees. Since the anniversary date, the
numbers have continued to grow with groups contracted through 2033 and
proposals obtained through 2043.
The newly unveiled artwork is part of a year-long anniversary
celebration. “The First Ten Years” is on display on the east side of
the Davidson Ballroom. It is now the property of Music City Center as
part of the facility’s established collection, which features a broad
spectrum of artistic media worth more than $2 million. The entire art
collection can be viewed online at
https://www.nashvillemcc.com/
About Music City Center
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Music City Center is a 2.1
million-square-foot convention center with more than 353,000 square feet
of exhibit hall space, two ballrooms, 55 meeting rooms, and a covered
parking garage with 1,800 spaces. The mission of MCC is to create
significant economic benefit for the greater Nashville area, while
focusing on community inclusion, sustainability, and exceptional
customer service, through conventions, trade shows, and community
events.
