Up to $10K available for eligible organizations; Submit letter of interest by March 9

JACKSON, MISS. – Feb. 23, 2021 – To help organizations create large-scale, arts-focused work that adapts to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mississippi Arts Commission announces its new Community Response Grant. This grant opportunity will provide up to $10,000 for the creation of arts-focused, socially distanced events such as public art, art exhibits or performances, significant arts-related virtual programming and arts-focused community visioning.

Organizations eligible for the Community Response Grant include: Mississippi-based 501c3 nonprofit organizations, municipalities, schools, libraries and other units of local government. Interested, eligible organizations are asked to submit a letter of interest for the Community Response Grant by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 9.

“As the arts sector faces new challenges, we want to hear organizations’ best ideas on how they would spend up to $10,000 on innovative and arts-focused programming,” said Sarah Story, MAC executive director. “Throughout the pandemic, MAC has shown its commitment to supporting the state’s arts community through grants, programs and resources. The Community Response Grant represents a special opportunity to create adaptive and impactful arts experiences that go beyond annual project grants.”

Priority for the Community Response Grant will be given to significant, high-impact projects that use a large portion of the grant to pay artists; include partnerships between local governments and arts-focused nonprofit organizations; have a strong community engagement component; showcase Mississippi’s performing, literary, visual or folk and traditional artists; and create replicable strategies for organizations to engage with the arts amidst COVID-19. 

Visit arts.ms.gov/grants to find more information on Community Response Grant guidelines, eligibility and how to submit a letter of interest.

Contact:  Melody Moody Thortis | Grants Director | mthortis@arts.ms.gov | (601) 359-6030