In Memorium Jackson-based blues guitarist and singer Louis Arzo Youngblood aka “Gearshifter” passed away on March 3, 2021 from heart-related issues. Youngblood was steeped in the blues tradition of southern […]

The roots of American music run deep through Mississippi and are well planted in the soul of Raphael Semmes. For a successful 40-year career as a musician and for promoting […]

Filmmaker and artist Arthur Jafa has achieved the kind of success in film, video and digital movie cameras most artists only dream about. For his long-term success in cinema, television, […]

For a successful 40 year music career and for shattering gender stereotypes for jazz, funk, and blues bass players, Nellie “Mack” McInnis will receive the 2021 Governor’s Award for Excellence […]

For his extensive, award-winning career as a producer, musician, composer, and arranger, the 2021 Governor’s Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Benjamin Wright. This particular award always goes […]

Fabric, needles, and thread, in the skillful hands of community members, have created beautiful, functional art and an economic boost for the Delta community of Tutwiler.  On February 19, 2021 […]

Greetings Arts Community, I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission. Since starting with MAC on Nov. 2, I’ve been learning all about […]

As MAC begins a new era under the leadership of Executive Director Sarah Story, the agency is looking for new team members to join the agency’s administrative staff. We are […]

After a 33-year career with the State of Mississippi, Shirley Smith is retiring as systems administrator of the Mississippi Arts Commission. As the agency’s longest tenured employee, Shirley has worked […]