Welcome to the City of Meridian, MS

Meridian Council for the Arts Inc. announces their Community Arts Grants Program for 2007-2008.

Community Arts Grants Applications are available in the Meridian Council for the Arts' office on third floor of City Hall or click below.
Deadline to turn in the application is Approx: November 30, 2007.

Listed below are past grants that were awarded though the Meridian Council for the Arts.

Meridian Little Theatre Youth Division
This year, Pinocchio” has been chosen for the Youth Theatre to perform for the area school children and for the general public. The play will run from January 12-18, 2004. Over 175 children auditioned for parts in the play. The ages ranged from 6 to 16, and came from all racial and cultural backgrounds. A majority of children auditioning were cast in various parts. The young actors/actresses participate in various ways, including performing in the cast, helping with set design and construction, backstage and props and lighting and music.

2004 UPBEAT! Spring Concert Series:
UPBEAT! Was reactivated in June 2002 after a two year period of inactivity when there was no director. A meeting was held at Peavey Melody Music on Sat. June 29, 2002 to elect new officers and transfer all UPBEAT! records, information and equipment to the newly elected officers. Rather than limiting the members of the reactivated UPBEAT! To area youth, it is now a true community organization that is open to those of any age who want to learn to play a stringed instrument and perform with the orchestra. The current 34 members range in age from 7 to 70 plus. There is a current waiting list of 15 and classes for new student will be offered beginning in January 2004. The purpose of the organization is to offer individuals an opportunity to learn to play a stringed instrument as well as participate in a group that performs throughout the community. The group ranges from beginning students to those who have played previously in symphony orchestras. The less experienced players learn from those who are more knowledgeable. Weekly classes and orchestra rehearsals are held at Peavey Melody Music. The following groups meet weekly for one hour: Beginners I, II, and III , Intermediate I and II. Rehearsals are held for two hours each week for all members.

UPBEAT! will present a concert series from January 1 thru
May 31, 2004 that will be available to the public.

Proposed Concert Series Schedule is:
Jan.*--- Program at Bonita Lakes Mall
Feb.21---Pre-concert program prior to pre-concert lecture for the Meridian Symphony Orchestra
Concert at First Baptist Church
March*—Program at Riley Nursing Center
April 3--Pre-concert program prior to pre-concert lecture for the Meridian Symphony Orchestra
Concert at Meridian Community College
April*—Performance at Art in the Park, Highland Park , Meridian
May*—Program for Meridian Community College 's Lifetime Quest and the public at the Temple Theatre
May*—Performance at the Jimmie Rodgers Festival
May*—End of the year performance and awards ceremony at First Presbyterian Church
Dec.---Performance at Bonita Lakes Mall during holiday season
Dec.---Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church – Open to the public!
*Specific dates to be determined at a later time.

Lamar Elementary School
This project will be an educational traveling wall mural. It will portray history and will honor those who have given their all for freedom during conflict and peace times. It will exhibit special events and dates as well. A place to record names will be provided on the back side of the huge mural for those individuals that have served in any war or during peace times.

MCC College for Kids
Meridian Community College 's “College for Kids” Program offers local children an opportunity to get a “Taste of College” by signing up for art, education, sports related and special interest classes for two weeks during the summer.

Meridian Museum of Art – Project Support Grant - $2,000.00
Meridian Museum of Art will be awarded a grant to help to present their 31st Annual Bi-State Art Competition February 8 – March 8, 2003 . The Bi-State is a competitive exhibit open to all current and past residents of Mississippi and Alabama . It is a high-quality professional competition that has as its principal objectives: (1) Promoting and supporting the artists of the Bi-State region by recognizing and awarding artistic excellence; (2) Fostering visual arts education; and (3) Encouraging participation in the visual arts by the local community. Admission to view any of Meridian Museum of Art exhibits is Free.

Ruby will be awarded a grant to continue her storytelling in our local schools. Ruby is on the Mississippi Arts Commission's Artist Roster and has been on their Art Educator's Roster as well.

The total amount of money funded this round of the Meridian Arts Council's Community Arts Grants Program is $11,300.00. All of our grants awarded are matching grants. This doubles the local economic impact to our community for each grant awarded without taking into consideration any income that may be derived by the organizations from their projects. Since the beginning of the Community Arts Grants Program in 1992 the Meridian Arts Council has awarded a combined total of $145,296.35 to local artists and art organizations to help promote the Arts in Meridian , and Lauderdale County . The Meridian Council for the Arts funds this project through the grants it receives from the City of Meridian, the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, the Mississippi Arts Commission and the money it raises during the year with projects like Arts in the Park.