Clay Blevins Philanthropy's
Artistic Direction
Art as a Catalyst for Strengthening Community Bonds
My interest in art and philanthropy are guided by a belief that
art helps us see one another more fully—especially people and communities that are often overlooked. I focus on artists from the
African diaspora and the Global South, whose work explores dignity, identity, migration, and belonging through lived experience and deep cultural knowledge.
Rather than art that explains or illustrates social issues, I’m drawn to work that invites reflection—art that asks viewers to slow down, pay attention, and consider whose stories are valued in public life. These perspectives feel especially important in a rapidly changing city like
Nashville, where growth and opportunity exist alongside visible housing insecurity.
My commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness in Nashville is closely connected to this artistic focus. Both are rooted in the same question:
who gets to be seen, and with what dignity? Through partnerships with local organizations, exhibitions, and community‑centered programming, I aim to place serious, thoughtful art into shared spaces where it can foster empathy, conversation, and a sense of belonging.