"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. That's why BlueCross BlueShield has continued to support the Greater Jackson Arts Council as an annual corporate contributor. We see the big picture necessity in having a vibrant local arts council."  
     
 
- Cindy Gordon, Executive Committee At-Large Member
   
 
 
 
Programs
 
 

Our grants program has been operating since the Council's inception more than twenty-five years ago.
The council awards an average of 100 grants annually, ranging from neighborhood-based projects and individual artist grants to support for cultural tourism agendas and major cultural events. On the Educational front, the Greater Jackson Arts Council's exciting new Express Yourself Afterschool Arts program is designed to offer significant arts outreach to underserved schools.

 
     
  At A Glance  
 
     
 

MS PUPPETRY GUILD

  
         
 

Cultural programming for children
is a major focus of Greater Jackson Arts Council grants, as seen here with the Mississippi Puppetry Guild thrilling kids with the Inky character.

   
         
 
   
  MS ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC
         
 

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Grassroots organizations
can count on us for support. The Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music wowed fans of the genre when they brought the higly sought after "English Concert" to town.

   
         
 
         
 

TOUGALOO ART COLONY

 
         
 

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An artist finds her muse
in a painting workshop at the Tougaloo Art Colony. Since its inception this nationally recognized artist retreat has enjoyed programming support and scholarship support from the Greater Jackson Arts Council.

 

    
         
 
         
  USA INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION  
         
 

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A trick of the eye:
Dancer Marty Lawson electrified the crowd during the USA International Ballet Competition Anniversary Gala with this performance of the David Parsons-choreographed piece entitled "Caught," during which one dancer becomes five courtesy of a revolutionary strobe-lighting technique. The Greater Jackson Arts Council supported the gala with a Major Cultural Programs grant.

 

    
         
 
         
  CREATIVE ARTIST  
         
 

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Songs in the key of life:
Individual artists take new journeys and explore new outlets through Greater Jackson Arts Council Creative Artist grants, which go directly to the artists and don't require a cash match.

   
         
 
         
  "EXPRESS YOURSELF" AFTERSCHOOL ARTS PROGRAM  
         
 

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The Greater Jackson Arts Council sought and received funding for the "Express Yourself" Afterschool Arts Program from the U.S. Department of Education. At the urging of Jackson Public Schools, we have launched a pilot initiative at Whitten Middle School, where 200 sixth graders will enjoy hands-on, professional-artist led instruction in the areas of photography, creative writing, dance, jewelry-making, and traditional African instrumentation. Additional schools will be added soon.

   

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Greater Jackson Arts Council
Jackson, Mississippi
601.960.1557
info@jacksonartscouncil.org
The Greater Jackson Arts Council is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works in public/private partnership with the City of Jackson and the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau. Our agency also receives public funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, Hinds County Board of Supervisors, U.S. Department of Education, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additionally, our programs and services are supported by private foundations, corporate donors, our volunteer board of directors, and individuals committed to cultural development in the city.
 

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