NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the heart of East Nashville, a unique art installation is transforming the way neighbors connect. Known as NashPhone, this interactive piece of art has quickly become a local favorite, bridging gaps in communication and fostering a sense of community in a modern world where genuine connections are becoming increasingly rare.
Located on 11th Street near Buds and Brews, NashPhone invites anyone to pick up the phone, listen to a message left by someone before them, and leave their own response. The project, created by local artist Jon Terzini, was designed to offer a creative outlet for people to engage with one another, share stories, and express themselves without the constraints of social media or digital screens. Installed in November 2024, NashPhone underwent several months of diagnostic testing before settling into its current location.
Terzini, who wanted to create a space where people could form real connections, has seen the impact NashPhone has had on East Nashville residents. The phone has become more than just an art installation; it has evolved into a space where neighbors leave songs, share personal stories, and respond to each other’s messages. The diversity of responses has sparked a sense of belonging and community, with everything from light-hearted conversations to deeply reflective thoughts being exchanged.
“I wanted to create something that encouraged people to truly listen and connect,” Terzini said. “With social media, it’s easy to get lost in superficial interactions. NashPhone is about real people, sharing real stories.”
The installation has garnered positive feedback from a variety of sources, from local neighbors to Metro Councilmembers, all of whom have praised the project for its ability to bring people together. NashPhone has created a space for the community to express themselves, listen to one another, and share experiences in a way that feels personal and authentic.
Looking ahead, Terzini has big plans for the project. While NashPhone has already made an impact in Nashville, the artist is now focused on expanding the concept to other cities. He plans to bring NashPhone to his hometown of Indianapolis, followed by Austin, Texas, and potentially even beyond. Terzini hopes to see the project evolve into a network of similar installations in different locations, each offering a unique window into the lives and perspectives of people from various communities.
In addition to his expansion plans, Terzini also envisions NashPhone as a source of inspiration for other artists. He aims to reach out to creatives in other cities, hoping to collaborate on new phone installations and further spread the message of fostering connection through art.
“Ultimately, I want to encourage other artists to create something that inspires conversations and interactions,” Terzini said. “Art should bring people together, and NashPhone is a step in that direction.”
As NashPhone continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the power of genuine communication and the importance of fostering community in an increasingly disconnected world. Through its simple yet profound concept, NashPhone is proving that sometimes, the best way to connect is by picking up the phone and sharing a message.
