JACKSON, MISS. – The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) is investing more than $1.7 million in the arts through grants to organizations, schools, and individual artists across the state for Fiscal Year 2026. This year, the agency awarded individual fellowships at the full $5,000 grant amount. MAC values investment in individual artists as they are the creative engine of Mississippi.

“We are deeply grateful to our state and national leaders who have made the arts a priority this year,” said David Lewis, Executive Director for the Mississippi Arts Commission. “With funding from the Mississippi Legislature and with the continued support of the National Endowment for the Arts, MAC is providing 349 grants to individuals and organizations throughout Mississippi. These grants will foster creativity and make a meaningful impact on local communities and economies.”

The awards include: 

• General Operating Support for 68 arts organizations. 
• Project support for 79 arts and community-based organizations to foster the continuation of the state’s folk and traditional art forms, support performances and arts programming, and strengthen education in and through the arts
• Project support for 24 individual artists to support innovation, propel artists’ careers, and encourage collaboration between artists and communities. 
• Artist Fellowship awards to 37 individual artists across artistic disciplines who demonstrate the ability to create exemplary work in their chosen field. 
• Mini-Grants to 79 individual artists to support their professional development and seven arts and community-based organizations to support arts programming and institutional strategic development. 

The grant awards include MAC’s arts integration program, Mississippi Whole Schools, which provides Pre-K-12 educators with intensive professional development for integrating the arts as a vehicle for promoting high-quality instruction and learning for students in all disciplines. This year, Mississippi Whole Schools accepted five new schools into its Arts in the Classroom program and will continue providing services to 20 existing schools.

MAC also approved 17 artists and performing groups for inclusion in its Artist Roster and Teaching Artist Roster, which features many of the best artists and arts educators in the state. The Artist Roster and Teaching Artist Roster feature artists who create and work at a professional level within their art disciplines and are available for hire. Organizations that receive Mini-grants are encouraged, but not required, to hire artists from the Artist Roster.  

“Thanks to the continued support of Governor Reeves and the State Legislature, the Mississippi Arts Commission is continuing to build on our State’s rich history in the arts,” said Jordan Perry, chair of the MAC Board. “By investing in artists, schools, and arts organizations, we are working to create jobs, economic impact, and—ultimately—stronger communities throughout our state.”

MAC also received funding for the Building Fund for the Arts grant. These funds are allocated separately, and the announcement will be made at a later date.

Grants were awarded in 94 State House districts and 49 State Senate districts. To see the complete list of grantees, visit  https://arts.ms.gov/grant-recipients/.  

For more information on MAC’s grant programs, Artist Roster, and other services, visit the agency’s website at arts.ms.gov.