Delta Blues Museum is the recipient of a $24,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the more than $1.7 million in grants MAC awarded in Fiscal Year 2026 and will be used to support Museum operations over the course of the two-year grant period. MAC’s operating grants are available specifically for arts-focused institutions as operating support to assist organizations in maintaining their financial stability, building their organizational capacity, improving their artist programs, and broadening their programs throughout the community.
“We are deeply grateful to our state and national leaders who have made the arts a priority this year,” said David Lewis, Executive Director for the Mississippi Arts Commission. “With funding from the Mississippi Legislature and with the continued support of the National Endowment for the Arts, MAC is providing 349 grants to individuals and organizations throughout Mississippi. These grants will foster creativity and make a meaningful impact on local communities and economies.”
Museum Director Shelley Ritter underscores the importance of the state’s arts commission. “MAC is an anchor for arts organizations, artists, and arts education in our state. We are grateful for this generous support,” Ritter offers, adding, “MAC’s investment is key in helping the Museum continue to preserve blues culture and heritage, passing along its unique character and traditions to future generations of citizens.”
The Mississippi Arts Commission is a state agency serving more than two million people through grants and special initiatives that enhance communities, assist artists and arts organizations, promote arts education and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. MAC 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. For more information, visit www.arts.ms.gov.
For information about the Mississippi Arts Commission, please contact Ellie Banks, Communications Director, 601-359-6546 or ebanks@arts.ms.gov.