Bologna Performing Arts Center Secures Two Programming Grants for Dynamic Performances and Arts Education Initiatives
(Cleveland, MS – July 17, 2023) – The Bologna Performing Arts Center (BPAC) is thrilled to announce that it has received two prestigious programming grants from leading arts organizations. These grants will enable BPAC to present captivating performances by Memphis’s own Collage Dance Collective and enhance arts education initiatives through the “Read It, See It, Hear It, Be It” program. These exciting endeavors highlight the BPAC’s commitment to providing exceptional cultural experiences and fostering artistic growth within the community.
Thanks to the generous support of South Arts, the BPAC will showcase the renowned Collage Dance Collective on Thursday, October 5th. Recently named a “Southern Cultural Treasure” by South Arts and the Ford Foundation, Collage Dance presents emotionally evocative performances to local and international audiences. The Bologna Performing Arts Center was the only performance hall in Mississippi awarded a South Arts presentation grant for the 2023-2024 grants cycle.
This grant enables the BPAC to host an enchanting children’s matinee performance as well as an evening performance on the mainstage. Not only will audiences be enthralled by the skill, passion, and creativity of these extraordinary dancers, but the grant will likewise support outreach initiatives between members of the Collage Dance Collective and a regional arts group in Coahoma County. This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi Arts Commission.
“We are immensely grateful to South Arts for their investment in our community and their support of the arts,” said Laura Howell, Executive Director of BPAC. “The Collage Dance Collective performance promises to be a truly captivating experience for children and adults alike, especially with the integration of regional blues music in their repertoire. We encourage everyone to secure their tickets now and join us for this remarkable event.”
Furthermore, BPAC has been awarded a grant by the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) to support the “Read It, See It, Hear It, Be It” initiative. MAC grants are made possible through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), emphasizing the national significance of this program. The “Read It, See It, Hear It, Be It” initiative is a dynamic arts education program that combines literature, visual arts, performing arts, and music to inspire and engage students in creative exploration. This grant will allow BPAC to expand the reach of this impactful initiative, fostering a love for the arts and encouraging artistic expression among young learners.
“BPAC is honored to receive this grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts,” stated Holly Senter, Arts Education Director at BPAC. “With this funding, we’re able to enhance our arts education programming and continue to provide valuable opportunities for students to connect with the arts. We look forward to collaborating with educators and students to ignite their imaginations and nurture their artistic abilities.”
Tickets for the Collage Dance Collective performances go on sale Monday, July 24, and can be purchased at the BPAC box office or online at www.bolognapac.com. The “Read It, See It, Hear It, Be It” initiative will be implemented in partnership with local schools and partner arts organizations, further strengthening BPAC’s ties with the community and promoting artistic engagement among students.
The Bologna Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of Delta State University, serves as the premiere regional venue for entertainment in the Delta. With a diverse range of programming, the BPAC presents world-class performances, hosts educational initiatives, and serves as a catalyst for cultural enrichment in the Mississippi Delta region. For more information on programs and involvement, visit bolognapac.com or contact the box office at 662-846-4626.