Recently launched in March of 2026 in Johnson County is the Department of Art (DOA).
“Our mission is to drive economic growth and community vitality by supporting creatives with our workshop and speaker series, activating public spaces with public art and placemaking, and finally, making creative experiences accessible to everyone by bringing activities and artists to Johnson County that historically people have had to travel out of the county or state to experience” said Chrissy Robertson, president of the DOA.
“Our mission is to drive economic growth and community vitality through art by supporting creative entrepreneurs, activating public spaces, and making creative experiences accessible to all. We are focused on strengthening the creative economy and enhancing quality of life in Johnson County and the surrounding region” said Robertson.
Recently, the DOA was partaking in the Franklin Fourth Friday Art Walk and are hosting the John Strickland Jazz Brunch as part of Ethos Celebration of the Arts weekend on June 28th. Additionally, on September 19th, the DOA will have a DO ART Day, which will be a community art day that celebrates community, public art, and creativity.
“One thing we are excited about is our DO ART Cart, which will be a traveling gallery trailer. We are waiting on a grant for that build-out, but our goal is to have it ready by summer 2027,” said Robertson, “The support we have received from other organizations, business owners, municipalities, and residents in the community has been overwhelming.”
In 2027, the DOA plans on launching a creative workshop and speaker series, as well as a scholarship in John Strickland’s name. The DOA has a ten year strategic plan that includes an art center in Johnson County, featuring a gallery and exhibition spaces, an art library and research areas, classrooms and workshops, an artist coworking space, areas for social gathering, and retail and merch shops. The center will become a destination for residents, artists, and visitors.
For more information, visit the DOA website at departmentofart.org/.