PERETZ FOUNDATION Supports New Public Art in Community Grant

Empowering Mississippi Through Art, Music & Placemaking

The PERETZ FOUNDATION is proud to stand alongside the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC), the Levitt Foundation, Visit Mississippi, Mississippi Main Street Association, and the Mississippi Humanities Council in launching the transformative Mississippi Public Art in Community Grant—a bold initiative designed to ignite creativity, community pride, and economic growth through accessible public art.

🌟 A New Era of Creative Placemaking

“There’s a placemaking revolution happening,” said David Lewis, Executive Director of MAC. “Public art brings life back to forgotten spaces and sparks economic development.” At PERETZ, we couldn’t agree more. This grant is about more than murals and sculptures—it’s about creating vibrant destinations that reflect the soul of Mississippi’s communities.

Starting in Fiscal Year 2026, two Mississippi-based nonprofits will receive a combined grant of $27,500+ to design and install public art. But that’s just the beginning. Each grantee will also receive $40,000/year for three years—a total of $120,000—to activate their art spaces with 10 free outdoor concerts annually in 2026, 2027, and 2028, thanks to support from MAC and the Levitt Foundation.

🎶 Art + Music = Community Transformation

This grant merges MAC’s public art funding with the Levitt AMP Music Series, creating dynamic spaces where art and music come together to inspire, entertain, and revitalize. From alleyways transformed into walkable galleries to pop-up concert venues that draw crowds and commerce, the possibilities are endless.

Examples like Fishbone Alley in Gulfport and The Pocket Museum in Hattiesburg show how creative placemaking can breathe new life into overlooked spaces—turning them into cultural landmarks and economic engines.