JACKSON, MISS. – June 21, 2022 – The Mississippi Arts Commission is announcing that the Mississippi Legislature recently approved new funds totaling $3 million for the Building Fund for the Arts (BFA) program. This funding opportunity will support the much-needed repair, renovation, expansion or construction of Mississippi facilities that serve as sites for year-round arts programming in their communities. The BFA program is an important part of enhancing and supporting the creative economy in Mississippi, strengthening organizational capacity and providing opportunities for citizens to learn from and engage with Mississippi’s unique arts and cultural opportunities.

All eligible organizations are encouraged to submit a letter of intent at https://arts.ms.gov/building-fund-for-the-arts/ by August 5, 2022. Once the proposal has been approved by MAC staff, the approved party will be invited to submit a full application. The deadline to submit applications for the BFA program is September 19, 2022.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Mississippi Legislature for their support in having adequate facilities to inspire continued creativity and artistic expression in communities across the state,” said Sarah Story, executive director of MAC. “This grants opportunity is timely as many arts organizations return to hosting in-person events for the first time in two years.” 

Between 2001 and 2007, the Legislature authorized a total of $19.2 million in bonds funds for the program, awarded by the Mississippi Arts Commission, to more than 150 projects in 48 communities. Some of the facilities that have been improved with BFA funding include:

• The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola to renovate the former Gilmer Ginnery for use as the B. B. King Museum.
• The MSU Riley Center in Meridian to renovate the Newberry Building as part of the Riley Education and Performing Arts Complex.
• Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau for the construction of a state film complex.
• Pearl River Community College to reconstruct the Performing Arts Facility destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
• Ohr-O’Keefe Museum in Biloxi for facility expansion to include a ceramics studio.
• Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson to support the museum’s construction.

Visit  www.arts.ms.gov/apply to learn more about how to apply, award amounts, and FAQs. All forms (letter of intent, application & final report) must be submitted through MAC’s e-grant system. Please contact MAC’s Arts Industry Director Kristen Brandt at 601.359.6075 or kbrandt@arts.ms.gov, with any questions regarding the letter of intent and application process.