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Arts Commission News

Nominations being sought for 2009 governor's awards for excellence in the arts

DATE:            May 1, 2008

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

JACKSON— The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) is seeking nominations for the 2009 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts.  The nomination deadline has been moved up to allow ample preparation time for the special public ceremony held each year in February.  

The awards, presented annually by the Arts Commission and the Governor’s Office, recognizes organizations and individuals whose work on behalf of the arts has significantly contributed to the growth and development of the cultural life of Mississippi. 

“The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts seek to honor and celebrate the creative spirit of those who exemplify Mississippi’s unparalleled artistic legacy,” said Malcolm White, Executive Director of MAC.  “It is an honor for this agency to join Governor and Mrs. Barbour in commending Mississippi’s outstanding artists and arts organizations.”

Previous winners have included Charley Pride, Sela Ward, Morgan Freeman, Eudora Welty and Willie Morris.  A complete list of previous winners is available on the agency website at www.arts.state.ms.us.

A panel of judges representing all aspects of the arts will select the winners, who will be awarded at the annual public ceremony on Thursday, February 26, 2009.

To obtain a nomination form, call the Commission at 601/359-6030 or visit the website.  The nomination form and supplementary materials must be postmarked or hand-delivered by Friday, June 27, 2008.  Hand deliveries can be made by that date to Mississippi Arts Commission, 501 North West Street, Suite 1101A Woolfolk Building, Jackson, MS  39201.

The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency, funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Wallace Foundation, Donna & Jim Barksdale, 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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