In 1968, the Legislature created the fifteen-member Mississippi Arts Commission to stimulate and encourage statewide public interest in the arts and Mississippi’s cultural heritage.
Because the commission distributes grant funds primarily to larger, well- established organizations within the central Mississippi area, the agency has not stimulated and encouraged arts on a statewide basis to the extent intended by law. Also, the agency has not achieved most of its own objectives.
The commission and its director have initiated action to correct administrative deficiencies which occurred under management of two former executives who resigned because of investigative audit findings by the State Auditor. The agency’s written response differs with PEER’s conclusion relative to overall program effectiveness.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.