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Arts Commission News

MAC Announces Recipients of Arts

Reinvestment Initiative

DATE:          October 8, 2009 

CONTACT:    Susan Dobbs, Public Relations Director

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

JACKSON - The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) announces the Arts Reinvestment Initiative (ARI) grants to non-profit organizations statewide to provide support for jobs in the arts that have been lost or are in jeopardy of elimination due to the current national economic downturn. The funding for the initiative comes through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is being awarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). MAC received $315,927 that will be awarded to 21 arts organizations and/or schools through this one-time special funding program.

The arts are a vital contributor to economic activities that draw visitors to the state, create jobs, and increase the quality of life in Mississippi communities.  “The arts are a vibrant and important part of Mississippi’s economy, but the creative sector's vitality is susceptible to the same woes as traditional economic trends,” said Malcolm White, MAC Executive Director.  “Rightfully, the federal government recognized the importance of the arts to the national economy and the need to invest in its future.  This grant program represents Mississippi's contribution to that effort.”  The NEA is receiving $50 million to support the preservation of arts jobs. A portion of these funds is being divided among the states and U.S. territories for distribution at the state level. Mississippi’s share of the funds is being administered and distributed by the Mississippi Arts Commission through the Arts Reinvestment Initiative.

The grant applications were adjudicated by a group of panelists with artistic and managerial expertise. The agency’s Board of Commissioners reviewed the panelists’ recommendations before making final funding decisions.

The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, Donna & Jim Barksdale, the Wallace Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson 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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