The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation continues to promote programming that highlights the arts and humanities.

From educational lectures to art programs to culinary classes, the non-profit organization has maintained its dedication to preserving the history and architecture of the Southern Cultural Heritage Center, while also providing citizens with the opportunity to experience cultural, educational and artistic programs.

Therefore, the SCHF has once again become a recipient of a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC).

This year, the grant from the Commission totals $11,400, executive director of the SCHF Stacey Mahoney said.

“This grant means a great deal to us, and we are very appreciative of the MAC and the National Endowment for the Arts, which is also part of the MAC,” Mahoney said.

The grant will help with general operations and programming, including the River Kids Art Program.

Mahoney said the grant money allows the foundation to offer the River Kids Art Program free to students by paying for the teachers and buying supplies.

MAC grants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. Nearly $1.4 million in grants will be awarded in 2019 and 2020.

“The Mississippi Arts Commission is proud to support arts organizations as well as arts activities and festivals around the state through grant-making,” said Malcolm White, executive director of MAC. “These funds help broaden the reach of arts by educating our communities about Mississippi’s enduring creative legacy and offering arts experiences and performances to people in nearly every area of the state.”

Mahoney said she received word of the grant in July after submitting the SCHF’s application in March.

Applying for the grant is a lengthy process, she said, which requires detailed information on past programing and upcoming offerings as well as a budget.

The MAC was established in 1968, and because of its mission, Mahoney said, “It is important to Mississippi, especially to the Vicksburg area in supporting the arts and cultural heritage.”