Welcome to the ultimate gathering of creative minds in Mississippi! The 2025 Mississippi State Arts Conference is where artists, performers, and art enthusiasts come together to celebrate the beauty of creativity. Join us for a day filled with inspiring workshops, captivating performances, and thought-provoking discussions. Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow artists, learn new techniques, and immerse yourself in Mississippi’s vibrant arts scene. Whether you are an artist, an arts professional, a board member, a teacher, or a lover of the arts, the State Arts Conference is the place to be. Get ready to learn and be inspired.

Dates: Wednesday, October 15, and Thursday, October 16, 2025

Location: The Westin Jackson – 407 South Congress Street Jackson, MS 39201

Registration Fee

• $35 per person EARLYBIRD pricing for the two-day conference (ends September 30 | meals not included)
• $40 per person for the two-day conference (after October 1 | meals not included)

Early bird pricing for the conference closes on October 1, 2025.

Lunch Option

There will be a lunch break on Wednesday, October 16, from 11:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.

Estelle at The Westin Jackson is offering a Grab-and-Go option for attendees! An assortment of salads, sandwiches, snacks, and beverage options will be available. A kiosk for ordering and paying for lunches will be located outside Jackson 1 and 2. This cost is NOT included with your conference ticket.

We are currently communicating with our partners to provide additional opportunities.

Tentative 2025 Schedule

Wednessday 10/15/2025:
9 a.m. – NOON – Free Pre-Conference: Teaching Artist at The Westin Jackson (space is limited and pre-registration is required)
1:00 p.m. – Registration
2:00 p.m. – Presentation/Keynote
3:15 p.m. – Networking Break Outs
5 p.m. – TBD Evening Event

Thursday 10/16/2025:
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Welcome
9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Keynote
10 – 10:15 a.m. – Announcements
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – ArtBreak 1
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Break Out 1
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Lunch on Your Own
1 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – ArtBreak 2
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Break Out 2
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – ArtBreak 3
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Break Out 3

All Day Thursday Events:
Artist Roster Headshots -Pre-registration REQUIRED.

All sessions are subject to change.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

A block of rooms has been reserved at The Westin Jackson at a special events rate of $175 USD per night. Space is limited.

The group rate is available from October 14 to 17, 2025.
Reservations must be made before September 24, 2025, to receive the discounted group rate.

Room Block Name: 2025 MS State Arts Conference Westin Room Block.

The Westin Jackson is located at 407 South Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201.

PARKING

• $12+ 8% tax = daily valet / fenced parking (SPECIAL REDUCED RATE!)
• $28 + 8%t tax = overnight valet / fenced parking
• Parking is available on the street for a fee, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, except on Federal Holidays. The parking rate is $1.00 per hour, with a 2-hour time limit. No re-parking is permitted. SP+ will also enforce safety violations, such as Median Parking. Click here for more information on how to pay for street parking in Jackson.

ACCOMMODATION NEEDS

Please let us know if you require any accommodations to participate. Requests should be submitted at least two weeks before the event. If your needs change, please contact Victoria Meek, Accessibility Coordinator, at MAC: vmeek@arts.ms.gov or 601-359-6030.