Mississippi Arts Commission

Mississippi celebrated America’s 250th in June with United in Song: Mississippi America 250 Celebration. The event featured artists celebrating Mississippi’s arts and cultural impact at the National level with performances by: Keith Johnson, Skylar James, Patrick Harkins, Victoria Cross McNeal with Ballet Magnificat & United in Song Choir, Steve Azar, Laura Lee Lewis Allen, Crandon Bennett, Kameron Batty, Jay Wesley, Topher Brown, Derrick Burt, First Lady Elee Reeves, and the Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band!

This week, we hope you celebrate Mississippi’s impact on the United States arts and culture by attending any of the wonderful events happening throughout the state. To find an event near you, visit https://america250.ms/.

Photo credit:
Rony Blaylock
Tate Nations
Abe Draper
Greg Campbell

Keith "The Prince of the Delta Blues" Johnson
Patrick Harkins
Ballet Magnificat!
Steve Azar
Kameren Batty
Topher Brown
Derrick Burt
First Lady of Mississippi Elee Reeves
Rising Stars

Artist Roster Spotlight: Kira Cummings

Kira Cummings is a multi-disciplinary artist whose work centers on the art of woodburning, using materials and storytelling to explore identity, place, and human connection. A graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Fine Art and a Minor in Graphic Design, Cummings is a member of both the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi and the Louisiana Crafts Guild.

Through her growing practice in pyrography and hands-on workshops, she invites others to experience the transformative nature of creating through fire and wood. In addition to her studio work, Cummings serves as Creative Director for The Works, producing video, animation, and live creative events that bring artists and communities together.

Artist Roster applications are currently open. Learn more about the application process and apply at arts.ms.gov/grants/grants-for-individuals/mississippi-artist-roster-application-process/

Kira Cummings Studio

📣 Grant Opportunity Reminder: Two exciting opportunities through the Mississippi Arts Commission are opening soon!

- Public Art in Community Grant
Letters of Intent open tomorrow, July 1! This program supports Mississippi communities in creating vibrant destinations through community-engaged public art projects and multi-year activation efforts. Priority will be given to rural communities with populations under 25,000.

The Public Art in Community Grant Webinar will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1, at noon. During the webinar, MAC staff will review the updated grant guidelines and answer questions from prospective applicants. To join the Zoom meeting, visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81197407092

- Building Fund for the Arts (BFA)
Letters of Intent also open tomorrow, July 1! BFA supports the repair, renovation, expansion, or construction of facilities that provide year-round arts programming, helping strengthen access to the arts across Mississippi.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to review program guidelines and begin preparing now. Full applications for both programs will open by invitation in August.

Learn more and access the grant portal at arts.ms.gov/grants