Happy New Year! We hope you and your families are safe and well in first month of 2022. The new year is a perfect time to begin a creative practice – or incorporate practices into your life that support creativity, such as attending arts events and supporting local creatives. If you are at home more often during this time, please take the opportunity to explore our new online exhibits about the Civil Rights Movement and Folk Arts Apprenticeships through Mississippi Folklife.

At MAC, the year is already in full swing as we prepare for our annual grant cycle as well as preparing for the Governor’s Arts Awards. MAC staff has been busy spreading the word about our grants for arts organizations and individual artists to groups around the state, both virtually and in person. These “Meet the MAC” events provide a way for people to learn about our grant offerings and ask questions about the process. Grant applications open Feb. 1 with a deadline of March 1. We encourage all who are interested to learn more and apply!

We also have an incredible group of award recipients to honor this year for the 2022 Governor’s Arts Awards. Please join us for the celebration at the Two Mississippi Museums on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. The ceremony and public reception preceding it is free and open to the public. You can also watch the show on MPB Television on Friday, February 18 at 8 p.m.

In the wider world of the arts, Mississippi organizations have been selected for national and regional funding as well as honors. The National Endowment for the Arts has granted annual funding and direct ARP funding to several Mississippi organizations. South Arts, our regional partner that covers nine Southeastern states, has awarded funding to several Mississippi organizations and several of our amazing arts leader in Mississippi have been selected to complete the prestigious Emerging Leaders of Color program. Congrats to all of these organizations and leaders!

It’s an honor to be a part of so many great arts events happening in our state this winter – Fiber Fest, Bucci Day, Pruitt Possom Town show, Mardi Gras celebrations all along the coast, and many more. We can’t wait to see what else 2022 has in store.

My best,

Sarah Story