Created in 1988 by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), Arts at the Airport is an ever-growing, ever-changing showcase of cultural diversity and creative talent in Tennessee. The terminal and surrounding facilities at Nashville International Airport were designed to incorporate rotating public art exhibits and permanent acquisitions.

Arts at the Airport is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that is supported largely by the MNAA. The program has also been supported with grants from various organizations including the Metro Nashville Arts Commission, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Memorial Foundation.

The Arts at the Airport program is housed within the Community Affairs and Customer Service department of the MNAA. It is coordinated by the Curator and is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors.

The award-winning Arts at the Airport program selects and presents works by local, regional, and national artists for the enjoyment and enrichment of Nashville International Airport's passengers and visitors.

In addition, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority offices house a large collection of original works. The collection includes 239 pieces in various styles and mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and mixed mediums on paper. The majority of works are by contemporary Tennessee artists, including some of the state's most acclaimed creators.

Arts at the Airport is not limited to visual art. Because music is an integral part of Nashville, the arts come alive daily with musical performances located on three stages in the passenger terminal. Performances feature a variety of musical styles including traditional and contemporary country, rhythm and blues, pop, gospel and bluegrass. The stages are located near the A/B Checkpoint entrance, the C/D Checkpoint entrance and on the Baggage Claim level.