Who is The Forge Nashville, and what should we know about you?
Founded in 2012, The Forge Nashville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community arts organization. Our Mission: “Advocating for artists and makers to have a pathway and place to pursue their craft in community.” The Forge is dedicated to arts advocacy and support for makers, artists, and creatives of all kinds. Housed in a 23,000-square-foot facility in the Railyard District—just south of Broadway—The Forge offers a robust ecosystem including a spacious makerspace, professional-grade wood and metal shops, an art gallery, private creative offices, and artist studios. Our goal is to empower creative expression, foster community, and provide access to the tools, resources, and networks artists and artisans need to thrive. Through programs like the Forge Arts Residency and Future Makers, we support artists across all disciplines, from emerging to established, youth to seniors, and beyond.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your Chamber membership?
The connectivity and community support provided by our Chamber membership have been invaluable. As an organization focused on arts advocacy and creative economic development, increasing awareness about our mission is key. The Chamber has been instrumental in amplifying our voice and helping us connect with other leaders and organizations who share our passion for a vibrant, creative Nashville. Their support has allowed us to extend the impact of our programs like Future Makers and the Forge Arts Residency, fostering new partnerships and opportunities.
Can you share a significant lesson you have learned as a business leader?
A core lesson has been the transformative power of community engagement and shared enthusiasm. The most impactful moments at The Forge arise when our members, staff, board, and supporters come together around a common goal or creative endeavor. It’s in these moments that our mission of empowering creatives truly comes to life. While leadership involves setting direction, the most innovative and exciting ideas often come from others—artists, makers, and community members—whose passion fuels everything we do. The Forge is a catalyst for collective creativity, and it thrives on collaboration.
How do you manage and maintain a positive company culture?
Our culture of creativity and inclusivity is foundational to everything we do. We foster an environment where people from all walks of life can explore, learn, and grow in their artistic pursuits. A great example is Nashville icon Bruce Dobie, who joined The Forge for studio space and quickly became immersed in our creative energy—discovering a love for sculpture through our metal and woodworking resources. Stories like Bruce’s reflect how The Forge inspires unexpected journeys of creativity. Through programs like the Forge Arts Residency, we offer structured support for artists, while Future Makers nurtures the next generation of creatives, ensuring that our culture is multi-generational, collaborative, and ever-evolving.
Are there new markets or demographics you are targeting?
We are committed to serving creatives across all stages of life, from youth to seniors. Our Future Makers program has expanded hands-on arts and maker education for K-12 students, both in schools and at community events, and we are now growing our offerings for seniors. The Forge is uniquely positioned as a place where people can develop new skills, explore hobbies, and even launch creative businesses at any age. We’re also working with partners like the Green Hills YMCA to establish satellite makerspaces and expand our reach into new neighborhoods, ensuring broader access to creative resources and opportunities.
What is unique about your business that makes you stand out?
What sets The Forge Nashville apart is our mission-driven approach to arts advocacy combined with a thriving, inclusive community. We serve artists, makers, and creatives across disciplines—from painters to fabricators, musicians to metalworkers—and offer not just space and tools, but also programming that fosters growth and collaboration. Visitors often comment on the palpable energy here, and we invite everyone to tour our facility, connect with our members, and experience firsthand the vibrant creativity that defines The Forge.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and changes?
We stay at the forefront of creative industry trends through active partnerships with key arts organizations, including Metro Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and national networks in arts advocacy. These relationships provide vital insight and help us connect with makers and artists statewide and beyond. Collaborations with organizations like OZ Arts, Kindling Arts, the Arts and Business Council, and Tennessee Craft also keep us plugged into evolving needs and opportunities within the creative sector, allowing us to continually adapt and support the artistic community in meaningful, innovative ways.
Can you share why the Nashville region is a good place to do business?
Nashville’s vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit make it a fertile ground for creativity and innovation. At The Forge, over 60% of our members are small business owners—from artisans offering fabrication services to artists launching product lines or exhibitions. We are more than just a makerspace; we are a creative hub where diverse talents come together. Events like our monthly Jam Night allow makers to explore other facets of their creativity, and our programming ensures that Nashville’s cultural and economic growth includes space for artists and makers to thrive.
How do you stay involved in the community?
Community engagement is central to our mission. We partner with local organizations such as the J.C. Napier community, Central Railway Museum, and various schools and nonprofits. Our events, including IndigeNash, celebrate Indigenous arts and culture, and we’ve recently collaborated with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber to host inclusive, impactful programming. Whether through Future Makers outreach, residency showcases, or community events, we are continually seeking ways to uplift and engage with the diverse communities that make up our city.
What do you want to be known for in the business community?
We want to be known as a solution to Nashville’s critical need for creative space and support for the arts. As the city grows, the demand for housing is clear—but equally essential is space for creativity, innovation, and artistic entrepreneurship. The Forge plays a key role in economic development, workforce training, and cultural enrichment by providing affordable, accessible space for artists and makers. Through continued collaboration with city and state leaders, we advocate for a Nashville that values both places to live and places to create. Our vision is a city where creatives of all backgrounds have the resources they need to succeed.
