Yoknapatawpha Arts Council
P.O. Box 544
413 South 14th St
Oxford MS 38655
Telephone: (662) 236-6429
Website: http://www.oxfordarts.com
Description of Organization
The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) is dedicated to building a more engaged and connected society by using the arts as a bridge to bring people together, foster understanding, and strengthen community bonds. While YAC does not create art itself, it serves as a catalyst for connection by leveraging the resources it manages—venues, technical equipment, and a network of creative voices—to create spaces where diverse communities can meet, share, and collaborate. At its core, YAC’s mission is to harness creativity as a tool for community development—transforming cultural expression into a unifying force that enhances quality of life, grows the local creative economy, and ensures that every voice has a place in shaping the future of Mississippi.
Grant(s) Awarded
In 2026, a grant of $2,300 was awarded to support hosting, in partnership with The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, and the Soto Zen Buddhist Society and Unitarian Universalist Church, free outdoor mindfulness and meditation events in Lafayette County parks. Using Dr. Frederick Lenz’s teachings and music, the program will engage youth, families, and adults, encouraging disconnection from technology, reflection on community impact, and building compassion. The project aims to create a sustainable, ongoing series of community-led meditation events.