State Arts Agency to Host “Ask the MAC” Virtual Sessions to Assist Applicants

JACKSON, MISS. – For the second time in 2020, the Mississippi Arts Commission is offering Rapid Response Grants, an expanded version of the agency’s Minigrants to respond to the changing needs of artists and arts organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. To provide assistance to applicants, the agency will host a series of “Ask the MAC” virtual meetings to answer applicants’ questions. Rapid Response Grant applications will open Nov. 16 and will close at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 4.  

Eligible individual artists and organizations may apply for up to $500 and $1,000, respectively. Eligible individual artists may apply for up to $500 to create digital portfolios or gallery tours, host virtual demonstrations, purchase art supplies, create promotional materials or pursue other eligible professional development. Eligible organizations may apply for up to $1,000 to create online workshops, host virtual gatherings, hire MAC roster artists or pursue other eligible organizational professional development. Complete grant guidelines are available at arts.ms.gov/grants.

To provide application assistance to interested parties, the agency will host virtual “Ask the MAC” sessions encouraging potential applicants to directly ask questions and learn more about MAC’s grant opportunities. “Ask the MAC” sessions will take place on Zoom as follows:

• Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 11:30- 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 24 from 11:30- 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 11:30- 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 3 from 5:30- 7 p.m.

First-time applicants are especially encouraged to participate in “Ask the MAC” sessions. To participate, visit arts.ms.gov/grants to see meeting and log in details. Please contact MAC at (601) 359-6030 if you have any questions.

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