It was all about art, music, festivals and other cultural opportunities as two of Hattiesburg’s artistic associations came before the Forrest County Board of Supervisors on Monday seeking its support.
Jay Dean, Mike Lopinto and Rachel Ciraldo, representatives of the Hattiesburg Concert Association, which produces FestivalSouth each year, provided numbers to show the economic impact the festival had on Forrest and Lamar counties during its 10th year was approximately $801,215.
“A lot of money in a relatively short amount of time,” Ciraldo said of the number, which was achieved through lodging, local taxes, food, shopping and labor income numbers.
FestivalSouth artistic director Lopinto also announced that FestivalSouth will run May 29 through June 26 in 2020.
“Exciting things are on the forefront,” he said. “In addition to encompassing a whole month, we’re also expanding events to happen throughout the year, noting the Woodstock event held in October.”
He said FestivalSouth was looking to partner with both universities and other educational and art institutions, as they continue developing events throughout the year moving towards FestivalSouth 2020.
Dean, former artistic director, applauded the supervisors as being the group of people “who helped us decide whether or not we should start this venture.” Ten years ago the board voted to appropriate $25,000 for the county that has continued its support each year. FestivalSouth receives a matching donation from the City of Hattiesburg and $5,000 from Lamar County.
“And we are now entering our second decade, doing things in this community/area and bringing people to Forrest County,” Dean said.
“We’re proud of it and appreciate what you do,” Hogan said. “We do care about quality of life issues in our community, and it’s not always about the economic impact necessarily. We’re proud to be a partner with you guys, proud of what yall do for our community and look forward to continuing to work together in future years.”
The board again voted, with a motion by Charles Marshall (District 2) and a second by Chris Bowen (District 5) to provide $25,000 for the annual event.
Rebekah Stark-Johnson, executive director of the Hattiesburg Art’s Council, addressed the board in regard to another successful and creative year.
Now in its 49th year, Johnson thanked board members for their continued support and encouragement of HAC.
“We enjoy sharing our story with you and being able to show how HAC serves a purpose in Forrest County’s economic growth, education and creative development,” Johnson said. “The HAC provides art activities to more than 25 festivals, concerts and art walks throughout the year, which are free and accessible to all people.”
She told board members that the HAC’s smART space program brings weekly art activities to Earl Travillion Attendance Center, The Arc Rise and Shine program, after-school activities to the C.E. Roy Community Center and now the Drug Court Program.
“We appreciate everything yall do to celebrate the cultural arts,” said Hogan. “Funding, in the amount of $20,000, is in place to continue to support y’all.”
In other action, the board:
• Approved various payments of $15,958, $4,569, $18,000, $127,658 and $848,854 to entities involved with the FEMA 361 Shelter Project – Phase II, per the request of the project manager.
During a previous meeting, the board met with representatives from Broaddus & Associates, which is overseeing the project, in regard to reimbursement for the county, which is awaiting upwards of $4 million from FEMA/MEMA, but has continued to pay out more money.
A holdup in payments was complicated by paperwork that needed to be signed that was not part of the original packet that was signed off on. One contractor was hesitant to sign, but as of the current meeting had signed off on his paperwork.
“Everything has been submitted to FEMA/MEMA,” said Hogan. “Everything is in agreement and they are going through the process of getting us out money. It took a team to get the final signature we needed, but the money should start flowing now. “
District 5 Supervisor Chris Bowen said he had been assured by FEMA that the money was there.
* Acknowledged that county offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28 and 29 in observance of Thanksgiving and on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 25 in observance of Christmas Day and on Wednesday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
