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CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY APPROVES $6 MILLION TO NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC
CONVENTION CENTER AUTHORITY APPROVES $6 MILLION TO NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: renuka.christoph@nashvillemcc.com(link sends e-mail)(link sends e-mail)
July 11, 2019
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Convention Center Authority voted unanimously this morning to provide the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) with a $6 million investment. This will include naming rights identifying that the Francis S. Guess Roots Theater is presented by Music City Center. This is a natural extension of MCC’s commitment to the museum as it honors the vision of Francis S. Guess.
Guess, a dedicated business leader and civil rights activist, was a trailblazer for MNAAM. He joined the CCA in 2011 and remained on the board until the time of his death in 2015.
“Francis S. Guess was a tireless advocate for the museum knowing it would be a monumental addition to Music City,” said Charles Starks, President/CEO of Music City Center. “As we invest in the National Museum of African American Music and therefore our city, we commemorate his vision and recognize music is a powerful connector of diverse groups.”
NMAAM is located at the former site of the Nashville Convention Center. In 2013, MCC issued a RFQ at the request of Metro for the redevelopment of the old Nashville Convention Center with a requirement that the museum be included. MCC has also provided $34.5 million toward a future parking garage at the museum’s site on Fifth and Broadway.
“MCC recognizes the strength of inclusivity and values the contributions of diverse business partners,” said Starks. “We celebrate another authentic Nashville experience that will attract the local community as well visitors and conventioneers from around the globe attending events at Music City Center.”
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About the Music City Center
The Music City Center, Nashville’s convention center, features a 353,143 square foot exhibit hall, the 57,500 square foot Karl F. Dean Grand Ballroom, and an 18,000 square foot Davidson Ballroom. The building includes an art collection featuring local and regional artists, a covered three-level parking garage with 1,800 spaces, and is LEED Gold certified. The Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame is also located inside the Music City Center at the corner of 6th Avenue and Demonbreun.