The Hattiesburg Concert Association (HCA) of Hattiesburg, MS, has been awarded a $21,600 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the more than $1.7 million in grants MAC awarded in Fiscal Year 2026 and will be used to support the overall costs to present their two main projects, FestivalSouth and the Meistersingers Civic Chorus.
The HCA is a leading presenter and advocate of music, arts, and culture in the state of Mississippi. For more than a quarter of a century, they have presented innovative programming, creating and presenting FestivalSouth, The Meistersingers, and the Community and Educational Outreach Program. The non-profit is committed to presenting outstanding events that entertain, engage, educate, and enrich community members, students, and tourists of all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic levels. These projects and programs improve the quality of life for all residents and visitors to South Mississippi, affect positive social and economic development, and contribute to Mississippi’s creative economy.
“Mississippi is a vibrant hub of artistic talent that enriches lives and fuels local economies throughout our state,” said David Lewis, executive director for the Mississippi Arts Commission. “With the generous support from the Mississippi Legislature, we can leverage our citizens' creativity to invest in ourcommunities.”
MAC’s annual grant funds come from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi State Legislature. Awards were made in 94 Mississippi House of Representatives districts and 49 state Senate districts.
“Our ability to enhance not only the quality of life, but also the future of our community is made possible by the support of state and local individuals who believe in the transformative power of the arts to foster the creative spirit in everything from industry to the concert stage,” said Dr. Mike Lopinto, Executive Director of the HCA. “We are grateful to all who are part of this incredible fabric of cultural development and encourage everyone to do all they can to enhance the arts where they live.”
