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Arts Commission News

Jill Conner Browne featured speaker at Gulf Coast's Cultural Charrette

DATE:              November 21, 2006

CONTACT:     Susan Dobbs, Public Relations Director                                       601-359-6031 or sdobbs@arts.state.ms.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

JACKSON— A charrette hosted by four Mississippi cultural agencies will feature Jill Conner Browne, world renowned Mississippi author of The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love.  She will be the keynote speaker on Saturday, December 2nd in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Jefferson Davis Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

The unique culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with its fascinating history, architecture, cuisine, unique way of life and ethnic diversity is a creative center for the state.  This significant gathering, held December 1-2, will offer residents an opportunity to be part of reweaving the fabric that constitutes the heart and soul of the coastal area.  This meeting will encourage collaborations among cultural entities and interested residents as recovery continues. 

In addition to Jill Conner Browne’s uplifting message, the focus Saturday will be a “town hall” type meeting to get the ideas and thoughts of local residents regarding the Coast’s cultural revitalization.  “My husband Kyle and I have done whatever we could, whenever we could to help out on our beloved Coast and if I can say a few words that perk up even ONE person for a little while, well, then slap me in the car and drive me on down there!  I have never grieved more for my state nor been prouder of her than through the Katrina ordeal.  We will get through this….we are getting through this….one day at a time….together,” Browne said.

Everyone is invited to attend the charrette both days but on Friday, December 1st, the event will target the issues facing community leaders and organizations.  Ricky Mathews, Publisher of the Sun-Herald will be Friday’s featured speaker.

This event is the result of a collaboration forged by the Mississippi Arts Commission, Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi Humanities Council and Mississippi Library Commission as the agencies came together to respond and rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. 

Visit the Mississippi Arts Commission’s website for detailed information at www.arts.state.ms.us or call the Mississippi Library Commission at 800/647-7542.

The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Wallace 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.

The Mississippi Humanities Council is funded by Congress through the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide public programs in traditional liberal arts disciplines to serve nonprofit groups in Mississippi.

The Mississippi Library Commission is a state agency, funded primarily by state and federal sources.  MLC supports the information needs of state government; enhances public library services through grants, consulting and library services; and serves as the state’s library for the blind and physically handicapped. 

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History is a comprehensive historical agency charged with the care of official governmental records, museums, and historic preservation projects across the state.

The event is funded by the National Humanities Council.

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