Laura Howell

The Mississippi Arts Commission's strategic plan for 2014-2018 focuses on enhancing the arts and creativity in Mississippi through three strategic directions: Livability, Workplace, and Learning Communities. It aims to promote sustainable communities by supporting arts-based quality of life, advocate for Mississippi's creative economy through community development partnerships and workforce development, and invigorate lifelong learning in the arts through education grants and community learning strategies. The plan emphasizes collaboration, professional development, and leveraging both public and private funding to serve artists, organizations, and communities across Mississippi.

The primary focus of the meeting was to adopt the JLBC recommendation for fiscal year 2026. The committee approved the joint legislative budget committee recommendation for fiscal year 2026. The committee is recommending a conservative budget, which includes a 2% set aside of $152 million. The fiscal year 2026 Revenue estimate of 7.627 billion was jointly adopted by the governor and the joint legislative budget Committee in November. The committee's recommendation for the general fund budget is 7.024 billion, which leaves 449 million available for appropriation during the session. The committee's budget recommendation reflects funding increases that include health insurance increase at All State agencies for 21 million, a Pur increase at All State agencies 15 million, Department of Education increased funding for the chicksaw interest at 4.3 million, and that Department of Revenue fully funding homestead exemption an additional $2 million. The committee's recommendation reflects 58.7 million in general fund reductions applying JLBC guidelines and another 5.8 million due to eliminating General funds for non-recurring spending. The recommendation includes full funding 667 million in the working cash stabilization Reserve fund. The committee has retained reserves of 2.7 billion and increased support for many vital state agencies.

The strategic plan for the Mississippi Arts Commission focuses on building support for the future of the arts in Mississippi. Key areas of focus include communicating the story of the arts, expanding and diversifying fiscal resources, convening and networking to offer professional development opportunities, and invigorating and expanding lifelong learning through the arts. The plan aims to champion Mississippi's unique story, advocate for the value of arts and innovation, and ensure access, inclusion, and equity in all work.

The strategic plan for the Mississippi Arts Commission focuses on fostering creativity and enhancing the quality of life in Mississippi communities through investment in the arts. Key goals include providing resources to nurture the arts, celebrating artistic excellence, maximizing support for MAC's programs, and advocating for the arts at various levels. The plan aims to empower communities to tell their stories and ensure Mississippi's cultural and artistic excellence contributes to a prosperous future.