The MAX receives MAC CARES emergency grant from Mississippi Arts Commission

(Jackson, Miss.) – The MAX of Meridian has been awarded a $3,000 South Arts Organizational

Impact Grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. This grant is a portion of CARES Act

COVID-19 recovery funding MAC received through South Arts, our regional partner, and the

National Endowment for the Arts. The grant awarded to The MAX will be used to help in

maintaining the facility during the museum’s shutdown which occurred mid-March through mid-

May.

Using funds from the CARES Act, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded almost $30

million to the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia and several territories including Puerto

Rico. A portion of this CARES funding was allocated for South Arts to re-grant throughout the

service area. As a regional partner, MAC received $60,000 of this funding. MAC established the

South Arts Organization Impact Grant program in response to distribute these funds and provide

economic relief as quickly as possible while focusing assistance on independent arts

organizations with staff.

The MAX is dedicated to presenting and interpreting the art and culture associated with the

state of Mississippi. Our mission is celebrating Mississippi’s rich cultural legacy as well as

encouraging the next generation of artists and fostering an appreciation for literature, music,

drama, history, the culinary arts, film, the visual arts, and other forms of cultural expression. We

enlighten and inspire by sharing the stories of creative expression to provide opportunities for all

generations to reach their full creative potential.

The Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, serves the residents of the state by providing

grants that support programs to enhance communities; assist artists and arts organizations;

promote the arts in education and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. Established in 1968,

the Mississippi Arts Commission is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National

Endowment for the Arts, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation

for Mississippi and other private sources. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and arts education. For information from the Mississippi Arts

Commission, contact Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, 601-359-6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov.