Mississippi Arts Commission
/OVERVIEW: The Mississippi Arts Commission broadly supports writing, music, theater, dance, film, and visual arts projects within the state.
IP TAKE: Grant seekers applying to these grants will have to compete with artists from all other disciplines. Those with a local or regional connection to their work will likely be the most successful. This is not a national funder, per say, but more of a regional one. That said, it’s approachable and accessible, so if your project fits within their focus areas, consider this funder in your quest.
PROFILE: Created in 1968, the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) provides financial and technical assistance to organizations and educational institutions in Mississippi. It seeks “to be a catalyst for the arts and creativity in Mississippi” and “to support and celebrate Mississippi’s creative spirit.” The commission is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and funds from private donors. MAC conducts its arts grantmaking to both Individual Artists and Arts Organizations.
Grants for Writing, Music, Theater, Dance, Film, Visual Arts
For Individual Artists, the commission funds Artist Fellowships. These $5,000 grants support “individual artists of many different artistic disciplines” for “professional development or the creation of new work.” MAC cautions that the fellowships are highly competitive, with only a few awarded each year. Individuals can only apply for one fellowship per year. Unsuccessful applicants receive written feedback on their application from the review panel and are able to re-submit each year. Individual Project Grants are awards of $2,000 that support projects proposed by individual artists (organizations have their own project grants program). Applicants must be permanent, legal Mississippi residents who are over 18. Additionally, MAC will not fund projects by full-time students. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship program supports community-based traditional art forms found throughout Mississippi. It funds projects that foster relationships between mentors and apprentices that allow “master traditional artists to pass along their unique skills to promising novice artists that work in their art form.” The grant is for $2,000, but at least 80% or more of the award should go toward the master artist’s teaching fee. Whatever is left over should be used to cover expenses like supplies or mileage. The commission also provides Artist Mini-Grants, “which provides grants of up to $500 to support the professional development of individual artists by helping to fund: travel and registration for appropriate conferences; promotional efforts; or artistic supplies.”
Funding for Arts Organizations includes Mini Grants for Organizations that range from $200 to $1,000 and “may be used to present an artist from MAC’s Artist Roster (or another adjudicated artist listing), support a consultancy with an arts organization, or assist with staff travel to an arts conference.” Project Grants support arts and community-based groups working to “expand arts activities across Mississippi.” Grant amounts range from $250 to $5,000. Operating Grants seek to “help nonprofit arts organizations maintain financial stability, build organizational capacity, improve artist programs, and distribute their programs throughout the community.” Grants range from $7,500 and $30,000, and grant seeking organizations must be a 501 (c)3 nonprofit.
Important Grant Details
New grant seekers can see past grantees here and should use the online portal to apply. Be sure to look over the video tutorial for instructions about creating an account and read over the FAQ before contacting MAC with questions.
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