FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

CONTACT:    Ann Shackelford, Interim Executive Director    662 887-9539, ext. 229

B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

Receives Mississippi Arts Commission Grant

            (Jackson, MS) July 5, 2010 – The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center of Indianola has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC).  This grant is a portion of the $1.64 million in grants the Commission will award in 2010-2011 and will be used for general operating support for the Museum and its programs.  The grants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

“Organizations across the state who receive grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission continue to prove that arts programs are vital to the success of their community.   The grants awarded by the Commission provide funding for the staging of festivals, theatre performances and many other arts-related activities,” said Malcolm White, Executive Director of MAC. “The arts provide a positive environment for learning, both in the classroom and in communities.  Arts funding has a significant multiplier and for every dollar spent in the creative sector, eight dollars are realized in the local economy.  That’s a good investment for any business.”

The Museum’s permanent exhibition presents and celebrates the life and music of Riley “B.B.” King and serves as a backdrop for examination of the music of the Mississippi Delta and exploration of the life, culture, social conditions and people of this region.

While instilling a sense of pride in place for Delta residents, the Museum also offers a window to the larger world.  “Here young people can experience music and art in many media, and express their talents in a safe, nurturing and fun environment,” said Ann Shackelford, interim executive director.  “Our summer arts camp, The Art of Living Smart, is a perfect example of arts as a vehicle for learning as well as for creativity and fun.  We are putting the arts literally at the center of community life here in Sunflower county at the same time we’re welcoming visitors from all over the world.” 

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 the funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, the Phil Hardin Foundation, Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson and other private sources.  The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and in arts education.

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For information from the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Susan Dobbs – 601/359-6031 or sdobbs@arts.state.ms.us