The Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a massive platform for the performing arts in Tennessee.  It was established in 1980 after almost a decade of fundraising efforts and the creation of the TPAC Management Corporation, which oversaw the public-private partnership between the Tennessee government and a number of private interests invested in the project.  In its first years, TPAC was home to the Nashville Symphony and the Circle Players, a local community theatre.  Many more public arts organizations have taken up residence since, including the Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and Tennessee Repertory Theatre.

TPAC’s facility contains three performance stages: Andrew Jackson Hall, James K. Polk Theatre, and Andrew Johnson Theatre; War Memorial Auditorium, located just across the road from the main building, also falls under TPAC’s programming umbrella.  Today, the Center programs over 500 events annually, in all areas of the performing arts; theatre, music, dance, comedy, and much more.

In 1983, the Center established Humanities Outreach in Tennessee (HOT), which has brought the arts to over one million children throughout the state.  After incorporating the educational activities of the Nashville Institute for the Arts in 2000, TPAC Education has developed a number of new programs, designed to bring arts education to local children, adults, students and teachers.