The Department of Art at Mississippi State University has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.5 million in grants the Commission will award in 2012-2013 and will be used to help fund the 2012 South Central Society for Photographic Education Conference co-hosted by the Department of Art and the Department of Communication at MSU. The 2012 SPESC Conference is co-sponsored by MAC, the Society for Photographic Education, and Mississippi State University and will be held from October 25 – 28, 2012, on the main campus of MSU.
“The grants awarded by the Commission to arts organization across the state provide funding for the staging of festivals, theatre performances, and many other arts-related activities. With these funds, the organizations work diligently to help tell the unique story of their community, and to reinforce the value of building a creative economy. These groups prove that arts programs are vital to stimulate economic growth,” said Malcom White, executive director of MAC. “Additionally, the arts provide a positive environment for learning, both in the classroom and in the community.”
The Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, serves the residents of the state by providing grants that support programs to enhance communities; assist artists and arts organizations; promote the arts in education and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. Established in 1968, the Mississippi Arts Commission is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, the Phil Hardin Foundation, the Riley Foundation, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson and other private sources. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and in arts education. For more information from the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Susan Dobbs – 601/359-6031 or sdobbs@arts.state.mdu.us.