Create, together.
So+Co Community Initiatives is a philanthropic fund dedicated to opening doors for underrepresented and emerging creatives in Nashville, Tennessee and across the county.
─── ABOUT THE FUND
Inspire+ Empower
Creating Pathways for Emerging Creatives
Founded in 2021 and personally funded by Eric Cook and his husband, Jason Somerville, So+Co Community was born from a shared belief: that the arts are not a luxury, but a vital part of a thriving, inclusive society. Too often, talent and passion are not enough — access, opportunity, and support make the difference. With that conviction, So+Co Community sets out to create pathways for emerging creatives to develop their craft, build their careers, and share their voices with the world.
In furtherance of this objective, the Fund focuses on reducing the tuition burdens of established arts education and training programs, as well as partnering with leading institutions to support initiatives and programs that offer artists places to live, work, and create. In every project, the Fund’s mission is clear: to ensure that creative talent has the chance to flourish.
─── ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Leadership+ Vision
Eric Cook, Director
Before dedicating himself full-time to philanthropy, Mr. Cook built a distinguished legal career as an employment defense attorney, representing clients in complex litigation in California courts and arbitration forums. He most recently served as Senior Counsel for Employment and Litigation at rideshare leader Lyft, where he led national operations and litigation strategy for driver arbitration claims.
Mr. Cook holds a B.A. in Political Science with a specialization in Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a J.D. and M.B.A. from Boston College. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Nashville Symphony, the Board of Directors of the Nashville Ballet, and chairs the Board of Directors of the Centennial Park Conservancy, widely known as Nashville’s Central Park. He is a member of the Leadership Nashville Class of 2026, and a current member of the Johns Hopkins University Leadership Fellows program. He and his husband reside in Oak Hill, Tennessee.
News + Updates
Contact Us
If you’re interested in collaborating, please provide your information, and we will contact you soon. We look forward to connecting with you.