The Leland Chamber of Commerce has been awarded an $800.00 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the nearly $1.4 million in grants that the Commission awarded in 2018-2019 and will be used to partially fund the Crooked Creek String Band who will be playing at the 28th annual Crawfish Festival on May 4, 2019 in downtown Leland. The grants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
“The Mississippi Arts Commission supports arts activities in nearly every corner of the state through grants to arts organizations, schools, communities and units of governments,” said Malcom White, executive director of MAC. “The projects and programming these organizations produce with MAC funds help enrich our state’s communities. This funding helps organizations provide arts experiences and educational opportunities to people who may not otherwise have access to the arts.”
Leland, often referred to as the “Birthplace of Kermit the Frog” is situated at the crossroads of Highways 61 and 82 and is home to three well-known museums: the Jim Henson Delta Boyhood Exhibit; the Highway 61 Blues Museum; and the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum. Leland also plays host to four annual festivals. The Leland Crawfish Festival, which is May 4th, is the first in the lineup for 2019. The other festivals are Frog Fest, the Highway 61 Blues Festival which will both be on October 5th and the much-loved Christmas on Deer Creek, which always opens on the first Saturday in December.
“Even though Leland is a small community, it’s very active and progressive,” said Mary Anne Brocato, executive director of the Leland Chamber. “The Chamber has been successful in recent years working with local businesses and in growing community events. Leland’s elected officials and local leaders are hard at work and committed to improving and revitalizing our community. The close-knit citizens of Leland are involved and dedicated to increased opportunities and growth of the place we all call home.”
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, and the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson as well as many private sources. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and in art education.
For more information about the Mississippi Arts Commission, contact Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, at 601-359-6546 or aehrgott@arts.ms.gov
