The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation has received some much-needed help.

It has been awarded a $4,800 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission.

This grant is a portion of the approximately $441,100 in CARES Act COVID-19 recovery funding the Mississippi Arts Commission received from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant awarded to the SCHF will be used to continue the mission of the SCHF and bring exceptional events and quality programming to the community through artistic excellence.

Stacey Mahoney, who is the executive director of the SCHF, said she is thankful for the generosity shown towards the SCHF.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the support of the Mississippi Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, Congress, and the President for seeing this need and providing funding for the recovery of the arts,” Mahoney said.

Using funds from the CARES Act, the National Endowment for the Arts awarded almost $30 million to the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several territories including Puerto Rico. A state arts agency, the Mississippi Arts Commission established the MAC CARES Emergency Grants program to distribute these funds and provide economic relief as quickly as possible while focusing assistance on independent arts organizations with staff.

“Like much of the economy, the arts sector in Mississippi and the nation has faced significant challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Closing facilities and canceling events equates to lost revenue,” Mississippi Arts Commission Executive Director Malcolm White said. “We are thankful that the federal government has recognized this need and has responded.”

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization, is committed to preserving the history and architecture of the Southern Cultural Heritage Center while providing all citizens with the opportunity to experience cultural, educational and artistic programs.

Among the numerous activities scheduled throughout the year, these funds are vital in supporting the River Kids free after school art program, a variety of concerts, workshops, lectures, exhibits and the many other events and programs that are instrumental in growing the awareness of the arts to the Vicksburg community and surrounding areas.