The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) has partnered with the Levitt Foundation, Visit Mississippi, Mississippi Main Street Association and the Mississippi Humanities Council to create the new Mississippi Public Art in Community Grant, which supports community engagement in the design, installation, and activation of accessible public art.

“There has been a placemaking revolution nationally and internationally that has often driven and turned into strong economic development,” said David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission. “Placemaking and public art bring life back to places that often need a creative spark to propel them forward. The goal of this grant is to catalyze resources to create public art that visibly and vibrantly represents our communities. We anticipate that these works will draw someone into that town to see it. Often this work puts fresh eyes and perspective on a space that may have been forgotten and catalyzes resources for future economic impact.”

Starting in FY26, two nonprofits in Mississippi will receive a combined grant award of $27,500+ from MAC, Visit Mississippi, and Mississippi Main Street Association — with additional in-kind support from partner organizations like the Mississippi Humanities Council — to create a public art installation. Additionally, each grantee will receive a combined grant award of $40,000/year for three years ($120,000 total) from MAC and the Levitt Foundation to support the grantee in activating their public art site through hosting an annual series of 10 free outdoor concerts in 2026, 2027, and 2028.

“Mississippi was uniquely poised to collaborate with multiple industries such as tourism, main street, art, and culture,” said Lewis. “We saw an opportunity with leadership of these statewide institutions to work on something to truly transform our beloved Mississippi communities in a way only Mississippi can do best.”

The grant was formed by combining a public art grant with the multi-year Levitt AMP (Amplify. Music. Place.) Music Series Grant to create vibrant community destinations.

“The Levitt Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with the Mississippi Arts Commission, combining our support to create vibrant public spaces through public art installations activated by the joy of free, live music,” stated Sharon Yazowski, President & CEO of the Levitt Foundation. “For the past two decades, Levitt concert series have been catalytic in revitalization efforts in towns and cities across the country, creating thriving communities and pride of place. We’re excited to see these community-driven projects come to life in Mississippi and for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the dynamic impact of layering the power of art with the power of music.”

Lewis provided examples of public art in action, such as Fishbone Alley in Gulfport and The Pocket Museum in Hattiesburg. “An alleyway could be transformed into a walkable space featuring local art installations or an event space for musicians to perform that might encourage businesses on that alleyway to open additional space on their back porches, or encourage more businesses to open due to the foot traffic of the alleyway.”

The Mississippi Public Art in Community Grant letter of intent period will open on July 1, and the full application will open in August. Mississippi-based, community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to rural communities with populations under 25,000.

MAC is administering the grant and its application process through the MAC grant portal. Grant awards for the Mississippi Public Art in Community Grant will be announced in November.

MAC is hosting a webinar on Friday, May 30, at Noon CT for those wanting to learn more about the Public Art in Community Grant. For more information about the Mississippi Public Art in Community Grant, a link to the webinar, and how to apply, visit arts.ms.gov/publicart.