JACKSON, MISS. – The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) is pleased to announce that the Mississippi Legislature recently approved new funds totaling a landmark $5 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.  

Starting July 1, 2023, those interested in applying for funding through the BFA program should submit a Letter of Intent through MAC’s e-grant system. The Letter of Intent submission deadline is July 15, 2023. All proposals will be reviewed by MAC staff, and eligible organizations will be invited to submit a full application. Full applications will open by invitation for submission in August 2023. 

“Last year, the Mississippi Legislature allocated a remarkable $3 million toward the Building Fund for the Arts program. That support allowed 16 arts organizations to improve or develop their spaces utilized by artists and their community,” said David Lewis, executive director of MAC. “The $5 million allocated to the program this year will allow others needing monetary support to improve their facilities. We are grateful to the Mississippi Legislature for expanding support of this vital program.” 

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.  

The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel, MS, was the first to complete its project from the previous BFA grant round. “This grant provided the necessary kick-start and seed money for us to prepare and seal the exterior envelope of our museum, a critical component for any museum conserving the contents inside,” said George Bassi, Director of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art at MAC’s Arts Day at the Capitol event in March. “This was a monumental project for us. One that is only done every 30 to 40 years completed in a two-month period this past January and February.”  

Previously, between 2001 and 2007, the Legislature authorized $19.2 million in bonds funds for the program, awarded by the Mississippi Arts Commission, to over 150 projects in 48 communities.  

Some of the facilities that received BFA funding for projects over the program’s history include: 

• Delta Arts Alliance in Cleveland to complete renovation of the Ellis Theater (2022). 
• Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel to repair the exterior of the building (2022). 
• The MSU Riley Center in Meridian to renovate the Newberry Building as part of the Riley Education and Performing Arts Complex (2004). 
• Pearl River Community College to reconstruct the Performing Arts Facility destroyed by Hurricane Katrina (2007). 
• Ohr-O’Keefe Museum in Biloxi for facility expansion to include a ceramics studio (2003). 
• Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson to support the museum’s construction (2006). 

“MAC is honored to be the fiscal agent of this crucial fund. We hope the BFA program will continue to support the improvement of art facilities in Mississippi communities in the future,” said Lewis. 

Visit arts.ms.gov/build 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.  

For questions about the letter of intent and the application process, please contact MAC’s Arts Industry Director, Kristen Brandt, at 601.359.6075 or kbrandt@arts.ms.gov.