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Dear
Friends, Colleagues, and Arts Supporters,
There's
an exciting energy in the Jackson area, and cultural
advancement is a major component of that. Your Greater
Jackson Arts Council is helping lead the way.
Of course, progress depends
on access, advocacy, and the vibrancy of the entire
arts community. And your Greater Jackson Arts Council
has a far-reaching scope of services in place to address
those concerns. Through our outreach programs, educational
initiatives, grant opportunities, and special events,
we serve as a conduit to bring together arts supporters,
business leaders, and government officials, all in an
effort to build a more dynamic Jackson.
Over
the last 25 years, our agency has distributed more than
$3.5 million in community grants.
Today, our year-round funding
program averages 100 grants annually. We focus on broad
scale ideas for the city, from after school programs
for at-risk youth to helping develop long-term cultural
tourism projects. After all, in virtually every case,
the most successful cities around the country of comparable
size to Jackson are using the arts as a key magnet for
economic development and image enhancement. This agency
is not just about work! Our special events are big tent
affairs that embrace all of the arts while providing
opportunities to socialize with engaged citizens from
a rich cross-section of our community.
Back
in 1979, our story began as a grass-roots organization
called City Spirit.
We quickly evolved into the
Arts Alliance of Jackson & Hinds County and have
been operating as the official Arts Council for the
city and county since the early 80s. Today our staff
and board of directors are working to support the cultural
agenda as the Greater Jackson Arts Council. Throughout
our history, the board has been comprised of a diverse
roster of high achieving, visionary community leaders.
The same holds true today as the agency is helping to
craft the next exciting chapter for our city.
Within
this evolving story of the arts, there is a role for
you as a corporate sponsor, individual patron, general
member, grant recipient, volunteer, or artist.
And our staff is here to answer
any questions you may have. Perhaps you want to apply
for a grant to get a cultural project off the ground.
Or maybe you would like to join our community panel
roster to review grant applications in the fall or spring.
No matter the inquiry, we are here to walk you through
the process.
I hope everyone reading this
will not only join the Greater Jackson Arts Council
as a member or supporter but make special efforts to
attend performances and events, contribute to creative
energies in neighborhoods and schools, and become an
enthusiastic advocate for the powerful things that the
arts can do. So, get involved and become part of
the story!
Best,
Signature
Janet Scott
Executive Director
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