HAPA RECEIVES MISSISSIPPI ARTS COMMISSION COVID RELIEF GRANT

JACKSON, MISS – Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art (HAPA) has been awarded an $11,500
grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) made possible through the American
Rescue Plan (ARP) distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

“The state’s arts community has displayed such resiliency during tumultuous times, and we are
very pleased to provide emergency support to help these worthy organizations,” said Sarah
Story, executive director of MAC. “These funds will help organizations recover from the past
year and build upon their successes for the future.”

With decreased funding in the midst of a pandemic, HAPA still experienced its largest growth
in program history, with more than 30 additions to Hattiesburg’s public art collection during
the last 18 months. With increased public demand and engagement for safe activities in the
community, the organization also unveiled the HBURG Public Art Trail earlier this year along
with a new website, brochures, and maps, highlighting more than 40 public art stops in
Hattiesburg.

“With the rising popularity of public art exploration and identifying the activity as safe under
health guidelines, HAPA has seen tremendous participation from both residents and visitors at
our local murals and sculptures,” said Kristen Brock, HAPA director. “This grant funding is
critical for HAPA’s continued growth. We thank MAC, NEA, and the federal support of our
Mississippi Senators and Congressmen for making it possible.”

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 Anna Ehrgott, Communications Director, 601-359-6546 or
aehrgott@arts.ms.gov.

For more details on HAPA and the HBURG Public Art Trail, visit www.hattiesburgpublicart.org.

###

A program of VisitHATTIESBURG, HAPA began in 2014 through the leadership of community
members and generous donors passionate about publicly sharing art and making it accessible
to all. In the past six years, HAPA has purchased and placed art throughout the city – in parks,
neighborhoods, public buildings, and businesses – while also raising awareness for works of art
already in the area. Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art is made possible through the support of
local organizations and individuals who believe in the importance of public art.