The Mississippi Arts Commission Awards Over $1.7 Million in Grants for Arts Projects and Programs

In a significant boost to Mississippi’s cultural landscape, the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) has announced grants totaling over $1.7 million for arts projects and programs across the state for fiscal year 2025.

According to the Mississippi Arts Commission, the funding will benefit more than 300 organizations, schools, and individual artists, supporting a diverse array of initiatives aimed at fostering creativity and cultural enrichment throughout Mississippi. The grants, sourced from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi State Legislature, span 92 Mississippi House of Representatives districts and 52 state Senate districts.

Among the notable initiatives funded is the Mississippi Whole Schools program, which focuses on integrating arts into Pre-K-12 education. This year, the program expanded to include 11 new schools, supplementing the 19 existing schools already participating in its Arts in the Classroom program.

David Lewis, executive director for the Mississippi Arts Commission, highlighted the impact of these grants: “Our efforts through programs like Mississippi Whole Schools have reached every county in our state. With increased funding and community outreach, we’ve been able to expand our reach and deepen our commitment to arts education.”

In addition to educational programs, MAC’s grants support a wide range of artistic endeavors. This includes general operating support for 66 arts organizations, project funding for 71 community-based initiatives, and individual grants benefiting 18 artists and 43 artist fellows across various disciplines. Mini-grants were also awarded to 59 individual artists and 21 organizations, aimed at supporting professional development and strategic arts programming.

Marie Sanderson, board chair for MAC, emphasized the economic and cultural benefits of these investments: “Mississippi’s investment in the arts not only enhances our cultural heritage but also stimulates economic growth across our communities. The support from the Mississippi Legislature enables MAC to continue promoting our state’s vibrant artistic community.”

MAC has also announced the inclusion of 23 artists and performing groups in its Artist Roster and Teaching Artist Roster, highlighting the diversity and talent within Mississippi’s arts community.

For a complete list of grant recipients and more information on MAC’s initiatives, including the Artist Roster, visit [arts.ms.gov].

*Photo Captions:*

– [JxnFriendsofLibrary]: MAC FY24 Grantee Jackson Friends of the Library

– [PikeSchoolofArt.jpg]: MAC FY24 Grantee Pike School of Art

– [NewStage.jpg]: MAC FY24 Grantee New Stage Theatre

– [JohnnieSmith.jpg]: MAC FY24 Grantee Johnnie Smith (photo by Rory Doyle)

For image access assistance, please contact Ellie Banks at ebanks@arts.ms.gov.

*About the Mississippi Arts Commission:*

The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency dedicated to enhancing communities, supporting artists and arts organizations, promoting arts education, and celebrating Mississippi’s cultural heritage. It is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other private sources. For more information, visit [www.arts.ms.gov].

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This article effectively summarizes the impact of MAC’s grants on Mississippi’s arts community, highlighting the diversity of funded projects and the broader cultural and economic benefits to the state.