BCMA Recieves $1.7 Million for Cultural Heritage Center

October 06, 2011

The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance has been granted $1.7 million from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification & Community Revitalization Commission to aid in completion of the Cultural Heritage Center in Historic Downtown Bristol. Renovation of the site, located on Cumberland and Moore Streets, is ongoing with a projected completion date of 2013.

"We couldn't be more excited to have been granted this funding," says BCMA Board President John Rainero. "The Cultural Heritage Center is key in promoting Bristol's heritage as the Birthplace of Country Music. It will provide a touchstone for our community and cement Bristol's appeal as a music destination year-round."

State Senator Phillip Puckett, D-Lebanon, is among the Commissioners who supported the funding. "Bristol Sessions is known all over the world and we've never had a place to showcase it. It took us a while to get there but we picked up some partners along the way and that makes it easier to do what we're doing. We're [commission] never the first dollar in."

BCMA has worked diligently to raise over $10 million. Both Bristol cities have committed a total of $1.1 million over five years to aid in the Center's operation once the doors are open. The BCMA is also seeking state and federal historic tax credits to help fund operations after construction is complete.

"Now it's more important than ever for our community to support the Friends of 1927 campaign," says Rainero. "If 1,927 people donate $520 to the Cultural Heritage Center, it will help us take the project home."

The Friends of 1927 campaign is a grassroots fundraising effort designed to show community support for the Cultural Heritage Center. It is also a way for the community to take ownership of the project.

Around 300 Friends now exist, but many more are needed. To become a Friend of 1927 or to learn more about the campaign, click here. Donations can be made in installments or as a one-time gift of $520.