At Center 615, we’re proud to work alongside organizations that strengthen the cultural and civic fabric of our communities. Humanities Tennessee is a local non-profit committed to that mission. For more than 50 years, their team has championed programs that open minds, introduce new ideas, and remind us of our state’s history, building strength through empathy, critical thinking, creative expression, and storytelling.
Today, in advance of their second anniversary at our East Nashville coworking campus, we’re excited to spotlight Humanities Tennessee and learn about the impact they continue to make in our state. Find out how their work nurtures dialogue, encourages curiosity, and strengthens the connections that bind us Tennesseans.
How long have you been at Center 615?
Roughly two years ago we were working out of a basement down the alley a couple blocks. Then we made our way here to the glorious 615 and there’s no going back! Because, yes, we like it here, of course, and also our old space has since been converted into a cold plunge studio (and continuously working from an ice bath poses all kinds of risks).
So, yes, we’ll be hitting our two-year-iversary in March. No gifts expected but, if compelled, we are registered at Service Merchandise.
What drew you to working in the humanities in the first place?
Our staff of eight (six full-time and two contract positions) are all humanists who believe deeply in the power of the humanities to foster empathy and connection among individuals and communities. Implementing public humanities programming gives us the opportunity to use the academic disciplines we love—including literature, history, and folklife—to build thoughtful, future-thinking communities.
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
We love to serve as conveners—whether it’s gathering writers and readers at the annual Southern Festival of Books; facilitating collaboration between small, rural, volunteer-run museums and scholars to create exhibits; or creating opportunities for public humanities professionals. Our organization exists to connect people and communities through the humanities.
What have been some of your biggest challenges in business and life?
This year has been particularly challenging when it comes to funding. Humanities Tennessee’s longstanding federal grant was terminated in April, and that posed an existential threat to our organization. In response, supporters from around the state (and elsewhere) stepped up and saved the Southern Festival of Books, which was a major victory. We are working hard to chart a new path forward to bring back programming we’ve had to pause, like our grants program, and to expand our reach around the state.
Where do you do your best work/what is your ideal work setup?
Center 615 has the ideal setup for us. Two of our staff members work in our office every day, while the rest of us can pop in as needed and have space there in the office or in one of the many nooks and crannies around the building. The new library space is gorgeous and provides a great setting for getting work done.
What’s your favorite amenity that Center 615 offers?
The wall of glowing heads.
Do you have a favorite meeting room at Center 615?
Though maybe not listed as an official “meeting room,” we’ve met many a nice snack left on the communal table in Honeycomb.
What do you think about the weekly ginger shots?
Our thoughts on the shots, much like the thing itself, are fluid:
- Right before the shot: thoughts in the realm of fear and trepidation.
- During the shot: thoughts in the realm of the ineffable, beyond language.
- Right after the shot: thoughts in the realm of fury, disbelief, then solace.
So, in short: we love them!
What are some of your favorite places to visit in East Nashville and the surrounding area?
Places with trees, the river, music-making places, places for films, book places, museums, and…restaurants.
Yes, we most definitely enjoy visiting a number of places for food but out of an abundance of caution that this Q&A might be crawled by a listicle-generating bot looking for best places to eat in Nashville that will then be read by another bot who would go on to place an incapacitatingly large order to be delivered by driverless car only to have two bummer results (first being the restaurant’s demise from the insatiable bot demand and second being the bot experiencing its first and only taste…of disappointment when it realizes it cannot eat the food it ordered) we’ll pass on answering this question.
Thanks, Humanities Tennessee, for that loquacious response to our questions!
If you’d like to join a coworking space filled with innovators, creators, consultants, and businesses in all kinds of sectors, book a tour today. We’d love to show you around and welcome you to Center 615.
