Norris to Promote the Arts at National Conference

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Tennessee Senate Republican Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) will join fellow government officials, artists, performers, and activists in Chattanooga this week as Tennessee hosts the 2008 National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.  Held at the Chattanooga Convention Center from September 11-13, the gathering will include representatives from all 50 states in the private and public sectors. 

On Saturday, September 13, Senator Norris will participate in a panel discussion on “Legislative Committees for the Arts” in which he will join State Representative Doug Overbey (R-Maryville) and others to discuss the strong supporting role that state legislatures play in promoting and enhancing cultural opportunities in states across the nation.

Norris served as Chairman of the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference Committee on Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs.  He was instrumental in returning the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies to Chattanooga this year.  He has also been a staunch advocate for Tennessee’s specialty license plate program which raises millions of private dollars annually to support the arts, education, and cultural events in Tennessee.

“Without the visual and performing arts, we would live in a lesser world,” said Norris, a member of the General Assembly’s Arts Caucus and Trustee of the Tennessee Historical Society. 

“I look forward to this conference and welcome the opportunity to remind my colleagues and others across the country of the important role they play in protecting the arts.”

Senator Norris represents the West Tennessee Counties of Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, and Dyer.

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