A New Kind of Adventure on the River
Baron Von Opperbean & The River of Time (Opening Spring 2026)

Mud Island turns the page this spring with a fully immersive storytelling experience that blends imagination, science, and play. Baron Von Opperbean & The River of Time transforms the former River Museum into an interactive world where curiosity leads the way.
Equal parts art installation and living narrative, BVO invites visitors, especially young ones, to explore, experiment, and step inside a story that evolves with each visit. This is phase one of a much larger vision, with major expansion already on the horizon. For Memphis, it’s a fresh reason to reconnect with the river and reimagine how learning and art can intersect.

2026 centers the people who give Memphis its creative pulse. The artists, audiences, mentors, and neighbors who shape this city every day take the spotlight.
It is reflected in musicians who found their voice on the Overton Park Shell stage. In dancers who learned precision, power, and possibility through movement. In young people who recognized themselves in a Hattiloo Theatre performance for the first time. In artists whose work traveled from neighborhood walls to national platforms.

Throughout 2026, Memphis culture moves with intention and energy. Creativity shows up in public spaces, fills rooms, sparks conversation, and invites participation. So share the experience. Walk into the galleries, the theaters, the gardens, and shared spaces. Memphis has been creating for generations, and this year the city gathers to honor it together.

The post What’s Opening Next in Memphis: New Energy, New Spaces, New Stories appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The coming year goes beyond a single opening or one headline moment, and is full of momentum. Decades of artists, builders, storytellers, educators, and organizers all reaching a shared crescendo. From stages and studios to gardens and riverfronts, Memphis arts and culture are stepping forward together and inviting everyone to witness it.
This is an arts and culture year that is decades in the making.

Generations of Creativity, Celebrated Together

If you measure heritage in heartbeats and history, Memphis is marking something extraordinary in 2026. Some of our most vital arts and culture institutions are celebrating milestone anniversaries, proof that creativity here isn’t a trend, it’s a legacy.
These organizations didn’t just entertain us. They shaped neighbors, nurtured youth, challenged systems, moved bodies and minds, and told the stories only Memphis could tell. This year, we honor them all. Not by looking back, but by celebrating how alive they continue to be.

Supporting these arts organizations not only sustains their important work but also contributes to the vibrant cultural fabric of Memphis. Whether through attending events, making donations, or spreading the word, your involvement can make a significant impact! For even more inspiration, check out Shelby County Art for All, ARTSmemphis, and DANCE Memphis upcoming arts events, and much more.

What’s Opening Next: New Energy, New Spaces, New Stories

While we honor the institutions that built the foundation, 2026-2027 also opens the door to what’s next. Across the city, brand-new cultural experiences are taking shape. They are bold in scale, ambitious in vision, and unmistakably Memphis in spirit. Learn more about what’s opening next here.

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This unprecedented collaboration brings together nine major arts institutions united under a shared vision: to celebrate dance as one of Memphis’ most powerful and yet often overlooked art forms.

Why Dance? Why Now?

While Memphis is widely recognized for shaping global music, the city is also home to world-renowned dance companies and nationally acclaimed performers. This is no coincidence; Memphis has always been a place where raw talent, creativity, and soul converge, producing artistry that is as authentic as it is inspiring.

Dance Memphis exists to make sure that story is seen and supported. By pooling resources, building shared strategies, and engaging directly with the community, the collective will expand access and awareness of dance education and performances while highlighting how dance can serve as a catalyst for public health, education, tourism, and community connection.

Meet the Collective

ARTSmemphis – A non-profit powering the arts in Memphis and fueling creativity by supporting local artists and organizations.

Dance Companies
Dance companies are what put Memphis on both national and international stages, bringing in some of the top talent and showcasing the artistry cultivated here in the city.

• Ballet Memphis – A nationally acclaimed company known for blending classical artistry with contemporary creativity.
• Collage Dance Collective – One of the largest Black-led ballet companies in the U.S., dedicated to inspiring the growth and diversity of ballet through both performances and community-focused training.

Performing Arts Centers
Performing arts centers serve as hubs for performances in Memphis, bringing the best shows to our community and connecting audiences with unforgettable cultural experiences “from Broadway to Beale Street.”

• Orpheum Theatre Group – A cornerstone of Memphis’ arts scene, hosting world-class touring productions and education programs that keep the arts accessible to all.
• Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) – Celebrated for its diverse programming, GPAC is a home for dance, music, and theatre while fostering artistic growth in the Mid-South.
• Cannon Center for the Performing Arts – A downtown venue that provides a stage for both local and national talent, showcasing dance in a setting that connects Memphis to the world.

Dance Education & Training
Dance education and training programs are essential in cultivating the next generation of dancers, connecting directly with youth and ensuring Memphis’ legacy of movement continues to thrive.

• New Ballet Ensemble – A nationally recognized training program and performance group blending classical techniques with Memphis-rooted styles like Jookin’.
• Buckman Performing Arts Center at St. Mary’s School – Known for nurturing creativity and providing high-quality arts education, introducing students and audiences to diverse dance traditions.
• University of Memphis Theatre and Dance Department – Equipping students with the skills to perform, teach, and choreograph, ensuring the city’s dance legacy carries forward into the future.

A Legacy in Motion

Dance in Memphis has never stood still. Each era’s music has inspired new ways of moving—from the playful jazz and swing of the early 20th century to the smooth, soulful styles that filled dance floors in the decades that followed. Today, Memphis Jookin’ is carrying that tradition forward on a global stage, reminding the world that dance in Memphis isn’t just entertainment, but storytelling, heritage, and community.

With the launch of Dance Memphis, that story enters a new chapter. One rooted in collaboration, celebration, and the belief that dance has the power to move us all.

For updates and more information about Dance Memphis, visit wearememphis.com/dance-memphis.

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Empowering Local Artists Through ARTSassist

One of the most significant developments in this announcement is the ARTSassist program. After a hiatus, this initiative has returned stronger than ever, expanding its reach to support not just visual artists but also those in dance, music, and film. ARTSassist is the only unrestricted grant program of its kind in Shelby County, providing crucial financial support to individual artists at various stages of their careers.

This year, ARTSassist awarded $130,000 to 26 deserving artists, each selected through a rigorous juried process by an esteemed panel of out-of-market jurors. These jurors, including renowned figures like Boston Conservatory’s Anthony Burrell and Nashville-based Melaneice Gibbs, brought their expertise and diverse perspectives to ensure that the most innovative and community-focused artists were recognized.

The impact of these grants extends far beyond the individual recipients. As Louisiana-based artist and ARTSassist juror Rodrecas Davis noted, “The breadth and depth of artwork presented, from emerging to experienced, was refreshing and encouraging — as were the number of artists who figured ‘the community’ as part of their creative practice.” This emphasis on community-driven art underscores the essential role that Memphis’ creative minds play in enriching our collective cultural landscape.

Strengthening the Backbone of Memphis Arts Organizations

In addition to supporting individual artists, ARTSmemphis has also reaffirmed its commitment to local arts organizations through its Operating Support grant program. This year, $1.2 million was distributed among 47 organizations, providing them with the unrestricted funds they need to continue their vital work.

What’s particularly noteworthy is ARTSmemphis’ dedication to equity and diversity in its funding approach. Of the 47 organizations receiving grants, 36% are led by people of color, and more than half of the 2 million participants served by these organizations are people of color. This intentional focus on inclusivity ensures that the vibrant diversity of our city is reflected and celebrated in the arts.

A Call to Support Memphis’ Artistic Future

The funding provided by ARTSmemphis is made possible by the generosity of its annual contributors. As government recovery funds dwindle, the role of private donations becomes increasingly critical in sustaining Memphis’ arts ecosystem. Every dollar donated to ARTSmemphis is an investment in the future of our city’s creativity and cultural richness.

Memphians, now is the time to rally behind our artists and arts organizations. Whether you attend an exhibit, support a local performance, or contribute directly to ARTSmemphis, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s continue to nurture the creative spirit that makes Memphis a city unlike any other.

For more information on ARTSassist grant recipients and the Operating Support grant program, visit ARTSmemphis’ website. Together, we can ensure that Memphis remains a city where the arts not only survive but thrive.

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In the spirit of uplifting our arts community, Shelby County Government unveiled their “Art For All” campaign–a celebration of how art and culture unites all citizens to imagine, create and collaborate. Spearheaded by the Shelby County Arts & Culture Nonprofit subcommittee, “Art For All” features three free and open to the public tentpole events throughout the spring.

“Art challenges our thinking, creates new connections, and inspires us to explore,” said Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. “Shelby County has always been a beacon for arts and culture and it’s important everyone has access to this world. We encourage all our neighbors to discover the tremendous artistry and talent that abounds in our community throughout the spring, summer, and beyond.”

Here are the events to keep on your radar!

Caza de Arte (Art Hunt)

Saturday, April 22 from 11 am to 3 pm
Arkwings in Frayser, 2034 James Rd., Memphis, TN

Arkwings will host Caza de Arte (Art Hunt) Latino Art Exhibit and Multi-Cultural Festival! This event is  a Latino art exhibit and multi-cultural festival featuring an artist market, art exhibits by local Latino artists, art making stations, bilingual learning space, food trucks, live metal-smithing with the Mobile Memphis Metal Museum (M4), and an art hunt with hundreds of mini-art pieces scattered throughout The Art Yard for attendees to discover and take home.

Plus, live performances by Caza Teatro, New Ballet Ensemble, Opera Memphis, and others. The event is free and open to the public.

Click here to add the event to your Facebook calendar!

Stax Museum Family Day

Saturday, May 13 from 1 pm to 4 pm
Stax Museum of American Soul Music, 926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN

Celebrating Stax’s 20th Anniversary, the event includes free admission to Stax Museum and exhibits, live performances, food trucks, face painting, balloon art, caricatures, and a Mother’s Day crafts art-making station. Celebrating Stax’s 20th Anniversary, the event includes free admission to Stax Museum and exhibits, live performances, food trucks, face painting, balloon art, caricatures, and a Mother’s Day crafts art-making station from contributing organizations like Memphis Music Initiative, Playhouse on the Square, and Creative Aging.

The event is free and open to the public.

Art For All Festival at the Museum of Science & History

Sunday, June 25 from 11 am to 3 pm
Museum of Science & History (MoSH), formerly the Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central Ave, Memphis, TN

Dozens of arts & culture organizations come together to showcase performances and artmaking from across Shelby County through live performances, artist markets, food trucks and more. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the newly established 901ArtForAll.com featuring the latest on the campaign including event details, stories on art, culture and artists, a detailed map featuring art organizations across Shelby County, and more.

You might also be interested in: Explore Memphis

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Elegance Bratton’s THE INSPECTION

This year’s Centerpiece Presentation is fresh from its World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and stars favorites like Gabrielle Union. One actor to keep your eyes on? Jeremy Pope. This film is his breakout performance as a Black, gay marine who has been cast out by his mother.

“We are honored to screen Indie Memphis alumnus Elegance Bratton’s unbelievably sensitive, assured film THE INSPECTION as our Centerpiece film. There is something almost classical about the film, reminding me of MOONLIGHT, BEAU TRAVAIL, and even more so of Hollywood classic melodramas.” – Indie Memphis

Even More Films!

The amazing films don’t stop there, there’s also Indie Memphis Black Creators Forum guest Alice Diop’s debut narrative film SAINT OMER, Serge Bozon’s offbeat romantic musical DON JUAN starring Tahar Rahim and Virginie Efira, which screened at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, as well as acclaimed filmmaker Stephen Frears’ THE LOST KING, starring Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan.

A Host of Documentaries

Don’t worry, documentary fanatics. There’s also films for you! Check out  THE ART OF EATING: THE LIFE AND APPETITES OF M. F. K. FISHER, which chronicles the life of renowned food writer M. F. K. Fisher, and Sacha Jenkins’ LOUIS ARMSTRONG’S BLACK & BLUES. Both films continue the strong tradition of films about music and food at the Memphis festival.

There is also the addition of a beautiful restoration print of Billy Wilder’s GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, introduced by HAPPY HOUR author Marlowe Granados, in the Revivals section.

Connecting with the Community

The festival isn’t just about the amazing lineup of films, there are also ways to get connected with the local film community and beyond. From the Black Creators Forum, Shoot and Splice, IndieTalks panels and more, there are plenty of programs to check out. Want more info? Click here!

For more information on tickets, showings, and more, visit http://indiememphis.com/.

You might also be interested in: Celebrities From Memphis You Dind’t Know

The post 25 Years of Indie Memphis! – Indie Memphis Film Festival 2022 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

One of the latest works to appear? A series of murals on the Mid-South Coliseum created by father-daughter duo Nisa Williams and Theo James. Originally opened in 1963, many Memphians will remember the space as a venue that held many iconic concerts, sporting events, and so much more. After its closure in 2006, The Coliseum Coalition has worked to see that the Coliseum is revitalized and can, once again, be a great asset to our community. 

And the six murals are an excellent start! The Coliseum Coalition, which has long advocated for the building’s renovations, raised $5,000 for the project and commissioned Nisa and Theo to create the artwork. Theo, a North Memphis artist who specializes in airbrushing and other graphic work, and Nisa, the project’s lead artist and student at Crosstown High, have created such a beautiful piece for the space. 

The murals highlight some of our city’s most influential and inspiring artists, musicians, and civic leaders. Iconic musician Otis Redding represents “culture,” a graduate represents “community,” legendary University of Memphis player and coach Larry Finch represents “talent,” Unapologetic’s logo and members represent “passion,” children and a globe represent “imagination,” and Constance Baker Motley fittingly represents justice. 

We caught up with Nisa to learn more about the project and how she and her dad feel about contributing to such an impactful work of art!

Memphis is so fortunate to have a thriving arts community! How does it feel to be a part of something so impactful for the city? 

“It’s an honor to feel like we’ve made a contribution to Memphis’ art community. We’re consumers of art that provokes thought and has meaning, so it’s wonderful to pass that feeling on to others!”

What do you hope Memphians experience when viewing your work? 

“We hope that they are reminded of iconic appearances and events that happened within the city and the coliseum. Lots of months were spent curating elements that would be recognizable to those who saw the coliseum in its prime, and we hope to get the message across that the people displayed made an impact on members of our community.”

The coliseum is such a Memphis landmark! How does it feel to have your work be a part of its revitalization story?

“We’re honored! The ability to do something so substantial in such an organic way is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We hope the murals bring more attention to the coliseum’s revitalization, and we’re glad to be a part of it.”

Excited to see the murals for yourself? Next time you’re headed to a Tiger football game, be sure to check them out!

You might also be interested in: Memphis Animal Shelters You Can Support Today

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From the earliest days of cinema, music has enjoyed a close symbiotic relationship with the filmic arts, and it’s no surprise to find that many (if not most) musicians are also film buffs, their favorite movies a necessary companion to the usual piles of dusty LPs and frayed paperback classics. In a city such as ours, where so many fortunes have been tied to several genres of popular song for over a century, any independent film festival is all but mandated to seek out innovative ways of uniting the two creative forms, so it’s a blessing that the Bluff City’s own independent film fest, Indie Memphis, has offered reliably compelling independent cinema every year since 1998.

As the festival’s Music Coordinator, John Miller is tasked with the oversight of such cross-media connections. It’s a position that makes perfect horse sense, as few Memphis are connected to the city’s scene(s) as profoundly as Miller, who co-owns the beloved Shangri-La Records and sits on the board of Music Export Memphis. John was kind enough to take time out of hectic preparations for this year’s fest to answer our a few of our burning questions about the musical/film collaborations in store for 2021, and also to offer a glimpse of where Indie Memphis might take such a fusion in future years.

Hi, John, thanks for taking the time to speak with us about your role with Indie Memphis. First off, how long have you been working with the festival, and how did you come by the position of Music Coordinator?

Hey Zach, thanks for reaching out. I always love talking about Indie Memphis! I’ve been working with the festival for a decade now, which has flown by. I first began working on a project for Indie Memphis in my role with an old music development nonprofit called the Memphis Music Foundation. A colleague of mine there, Pat Mitchell, sat on the board of Indie Memphis and knew how much I was interested in the intersection of music and film, so she introduced me and we began working to weave local music into the fabric of the festival.

Indie Memphis started on quite a small scale in the late 90s and has grown considerably in the years since. Over that time, how do you feel the festival has worked to deepen its relationship with the Memphis music scene?

I have always been impressed with the way the festival focused on local and regional storytellers, and diving deeper into that same relationship with local music creators has felt like a natural process through the years, no matter who is helming Indie Memphis. Indie Memphis launched a special screening competition for music videos, with a local only showcase slot, highlighting both the artist and visual creators of those videos. That kind of synergy extends to bringing music documentaries to town that might not otherwise be seen, and when possible, featuring live concert performances by the featured artist(s). We’ve also continued to strive to reach out to new and diverse musicians each year, whose music reflects the vibe of each film shown throughout the festival. That is something I know that out of town festival attendees always point to as a perfect gateway for them to discover more about Memphis and its many divergent
music scenes.

To you, what’s crucial about maintaining a Memphis music presence within the festival? And how might the average festival-goer benefit from such cross-pollination?

Ours is unlike any other film festival I’m aware of because its identity so closely reflects the place in which it takes place. Inarguably, music is a cultural pillar of our city and has been for over a century. Indie Memphis has always recognized the value of our artists (visual and musical) in telling our story, so presenting that as one of the first things anyone experiences when they attend says a lot about the priority we give to joining music and film. Discovering a new film and a new artist simultaneously is a joy that we hear many of the attendees, journalists, and staff talk about every year.

So what are you especially excited about this year? What’s something you’ve had a hand in that you’re excited to share with festival-goers, something no one should miss?

It’s always hard to narrow that down because the festival has music docs, horror films, moving dramatic and social justice stories, and on and on. I will say that over the last few years the festival has had a number of films telling particular stories centered around a variety of African experiences, with particularly fascinating musical elements in each. This year there is a film showing on Sunday, October 24, called “Elder’s Corner” that tells the story of many of the pioneering Nigerian musicians who created Juju and Afrobeat. It’s a great film and the Obruni Dance Band will be performing beforehand, so I think it’s a particularly great marriage of film and music.

This year, of course, presents a particularly unique challenge to those assembling large gatherings like arts festivals. How has the ongoing pandemic affected the usual Indie Memphis dynamic? What are some of the precautions the festival is taking to ensure the safety of patrons?

Knowing that the only way to present the festival would be to prioritize the safety of attendees and staff guided a lot of the early decisions. The free public block party, among the musical highlights of the festival, had to be canceled, as did the filmmaker lounges where so many people would get to make meaningful connections throughout the festival. All attendees are required to show vaccine cards and masks are required for all indoor screenings (though not for the films showing at the Drive In on Summer).

Speaking personally, would you care to elaborate at all on your personal relationship to music’s involvement with film? Any favorite recollections tied to the intermingling of the two mediums?

I recall the first time I saw “Yellow Submarine” as a kid and realized that artists could devise expanded representations around ideas that weren’t fully realized by the music alone. Each could potentially stand on its own, but it was all about the synergy. That
sort of set the tone for me in terms of valuing the creative multiplication that happens when you combine such dynamic art forms into a singular vision.

Memphis music is nothing if not unique, with specific cultural attitudes and touchstones that distinguish it from other music scenes. Do you find that this is also true of Memphis filmmaking? Do the two forms feed off that same inherent Memphis energy?

There’s a certain “devil-may-care” attitude that I adore about Memphis creatives of all types. It’s not that they don’t care about the result, it’s that there are no rules to the process. That’s a commonality that I would say absolutely runs through both artistic communities.

Are there specific ways that Memphis musicians might benefit from becoming more involved with independent film, both locally and in general?

Absolutely! Obviously, with physical sales currently placing somewhat distantly behind downloads and streams in the overall compensation structure, it’s imperative to find other ways to monetize music for artists. Licensing remains a strong option for potentially both initial and back end payments, and working to that end can be both financially and creatively advantageous for musicians interested in working with filmmakers.

Beyond music’s relationship with the festival, do you see other signs of Indie Memphis expanding to collaborate with more forms of Memphian art, such as visual art?

I’m very excited about the directions that the festival continues to explore. This year they have welcomed a new executive director in Knox Shelton, who used to lead Literacy Mid-South. Knox understands the value of storytelling in a very broad sense and wants to see growth for Indie Memphis on a number of levels. I can’t wait to see what he and Miriam Bale, the Artistic Director, have in store for the future!

Lastly, how do you think the festival organizers might be seeking to build on what Indie Memphis can offer in the future, especially in terms of its ties to local music?

I mentioned the intersection of music and film earlier, both as a creative and financial boost for musicians, and I hope those links can be expanded and deepened in the future. I think continuing to foster relationships before, during, and following the festival remains a priority, and I look forward to working to that end more extensively when health and safety restrictions allow for a more robust and physically connected experience during the festival and beyond.

Thanks again for speaking with us, John!

You may also be interested in: LaShonté Anderson: Artist Profile 

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