State of the Arts: Mayoral Forum 2026- In This Place 2026

The BIG We is all about building a world where love is at the center, where communities can see and use their own cultural power to shape their futures; economically, politically, and in the stories we tell about ourselves. We do this work to create real, lasting space for connection, for healing, for folks to come together across differences and build something beautiful. Love is our north star. We’re here to build a beloved community where joy, safety, love, and abundance aren’t just dreams—they’re everyday realities. We move on two tracks: making sure that the people who’ve been left out and left behind get the investment and power they deserve, and strengthening the ties that bind all of us together. At The BIG We, we know that story and culture aren’t just important, they’re everything. They help us build deep relationships, create understanding, and move toward the world we all deserve, quickly and powerfully.

The BIG WE

Care about Memphis culture? Hear directly from mayoral candidates on how they plan to support arts, creativity, and the city’s future.

Memphis Museum of Science & History

In This Place 2026: This is Memphis

In This Place is a citywide season rooted at Historic Clayborn Temple, inspired by the 1968 Sanitation Workers Strike. Through music, stories, and gatherings, Memphians build community, culture, and capital. Find your people and tap into what’s next!

State of the Arts 2026

Memphis creatives gather to connect and shape the city’s future. Join the Memphis Culture Mixer, then State of the Arts! Register for each event separately to attend both.

Do you care about the future of Memphis culture? The music, art, stories, and creativity that make this city feel like home? State of the Arts is a powerful citywide gathering that takes stock of where Memphis arts and culture are right now and where we are headed next. The evening opens with highlights from the past year in Memphis culture, a look ahead at what’s coming, and insights drawn from research and community voices about what creatives need to thrive.From there, the conversation turns outward. Mayoral candidates will join the room after hearing what the creative community has named as priorities, expectations, and opportunities for growth. In a guided forum with audience participation, candidates will respond to questions about how they plan to support and strengthen Memphis arts and culture, turning shared knowledge into civic dialogue and accountability.State of the Arts is part of In This Place, an annual citywide season of culture, community, and capital powered by The Big We. Throughout the season, Memphians gather to connect, learn, and shape the future of the city we love. This gathering brings that collective energy into one room and invites everyone to take part in shaping what comes next for Memphis.RSVP on Eventbrite and add your voice to the future of Memphis.

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State of the Arts: Mayoral Forum 2026- In This Place 2026

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State of the Arts: Mayoral Forum 2026- In This Place 2026

More events from The BIG WE

Discover more events from The BIG WE, from Government to other experiences you might love.

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Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Memphis and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.