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Mississippi Arts Commission seeks funds to bring grants to 100%, launches public art program
Summary
The Arts Commission asked for increased general funds to bring two grant programs (individual artist fellowships and organizational grants) to full funding, requested $50,000 to update its website for federal compliance, and highlighted a new public-art/community grant program supported by private partners.
David Lucas, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, described new initiatives funded with FY26 appropriations: a public art and community grant program and a partnership with the Levitt Foundation that will support concerts alongside public art in 8–10 communities over five years (Lucas cited roughly $650,000 in leveraged support).
Lucas said the commission’s request focuses on increasing general-fund support so the agency can fund top-scoring applicants at 100% for two key grant lines (individual artist fellowships and organizational project grants). He also requested $50,000 to update the agency website to meet federal accessibility guidelines and preserve eligibility for federal programs.
The commission highlighted recent successes—expanded programming, school visits supported by private fundraising, and a public-art rollout in several communities—and invited senators to the governor’s arts awards on Feb. 12. Committee members expressed support and asked for clarifying budget information on proposed general-fund increases.
