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Arts Commission News

MAC Grant Provides Funds for Arts "Bricks and Mortar"

DATE:            October 8, 2007

CONTACT:    Susan Dobbs, MAC Public Relations Director

                  601/359-6031 or sdobbs@arts.state.ms.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

JACKSON— Since the inception of the Building Fund for the Arts (BFA) Initiative in 2001, the Mississippi Arts Commission has distributed $18 million through 125 grants to 90 projects in 52 Mississippi communities. These grants have been used to renovate and repair buildings such as old movie theatres, banks, storefronts and old school auditoriums or to construct new facilities to serve as community and performing art centers. In 2006, over $2 million was awarded for 15 projects.

The MAC is currently taking applications for the next BFA initiative, which will award approximately $1 million across the state to support the building of new arts related facilities as well as the refurbishment of existing ones. Established by the state legislature, BFA is made possible by general obligation bonds and is designed to give the arts a stronger presence in Mississippi communities.

“Even though our BFA funding was cut for this year, it is perhaps the most popular, visible and far reaching grant administered by the Mississippi Arts Commission,” said Malcolm White, Executive Director. “These funds allow this agency to encourage creative development and to help give a physical address to the arts across Mississippi.”

The Letter of Intent to apply for BFA funding is due by November 2, 2007 and the application deadline is November 30, 2007. BFA guidelines are available on the Commission’s website at www.arts.state.ms.us or by contacting MAC’s Director of Grants and Special Initiatives Judi Pulliam at 601-359-6034.

The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the Mississippi legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts with additional assistance from Donna and Jim Barksdale, The Wallace Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation and other private sources. MAC is the official grants-making and service agency for the arts in Mississippi. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and in arts education.

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