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 the state’s artists, arts organizations and MAC’s many partner organizations. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting many of you, and I look forward to more introductions and conversations in the future. As a Jackson, Miss., native, I’m proud of Mississippi’s artistic contributions to the world. As MAC’s director, I plan to celebrate the legacy and diversity of the arts in our state and lead the agency in supporting and growing the arts sector in our state for future generations.

As you all know far too well, 2020 has been an extremely challenging year for the arts community. In the midst of such great hurdles, I was heartened to learn how MAC has supported artists and arts organizations this year through CARES Act funding from the NEA and South Arts as well as through Rapid Response grants.

To date, MAC has awarded a total of more than $600,000 to artists and arts organizations in COVID relief grants through federal and state funds. We are extremely grateful for this support from national, regional and state funders and plan to continue to support arts organizations and artists throughout the pandemic.

Applications are now open for the second round of Rapid Response Grants, an expanded version of the agency’s Minigrants. We encourage you to apply and learn more about MAC grants through our new “Ask the MAC” sessions.

It’s an especially important time to support and celebrate artistic excellence. This February, MAC will honor six very deserving recipients at the 33^rd Governor’s Arts Awards, which will be a broadcast-only event this year. We hope you’ll join the celebration by watching the ceremony on MPB, sharing the event with friends on social media, and if possible, supporting the event through sponsorship. This year, we are accepting sponsorships via check and online contributions. You can learn more about the awards this year and sponsorship opportunities at arts.ms.gov/gaa.  

The arts community in Mississippi is vast, resilient, and beautifully diverse. I’m happy to be back home, and I look forward to connecting with each of you soon.

My best,

Sarah Story
MAC Executive Director