In this episode of Bottled Up, David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, shares his journey from growing up in Jackson to revitalizing the city’s cultural spaces and leading statewide arts initiatives. David talks about his early love for architecture and community, working on projects like the Welcome to Jackson mural and the renovation of the Mississippi Planetarium. He explains how public art can change city narratives, what it takes to fund creative projects in Mississippi, and how the coast has become a hub for vibrant arts. David also highlights opportunities for artists to get involved, apply for grants, and attend events like the Governor’s Arts Awards and National Folk Festival. It’s a conversation about intentional design, community impact, and celebrating Mississippi’s creative spirit.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Public Art as a Catalyst for Community Change

David Lewis discusses how public art projects, like the Welcome to Jackson mural, can reshape a city's narrative and inspire civic pride. He shares how intentional, community-focused design and art can help change perceptions and energize cities that might otherwise seem stagnant, while also attracting and retaining creative talent.

2. The Mississippi Arts Commission's Role and Impact

As executive director, David Lewis explains that the Mississippi Arts Commission provides essential state and federal grant funding to support artists, arts organizations, and public art projects throughout Mississippi. Their work covers a wide range—visual arts, theater, music, cultural festivals—and aims to uplift creative communities from the coast to rural towns, enriching quality of life and boosting the state’s economic and tourism profile.

3. Celebrating Mississippi’s Artistic Uniqueness on a National and International Stage

David highlights how Mississippi’s unique cultural identity is being shared not just statewide, but internationally—such as the MSU School of Architecture’s exhibit at the Venice Biennale. He also mentions upcoming events like the Governor’s Arts Awards and the National Folk Festival coming to Jackson, emphasizing how Mississippi’s stories, spaces, and creativity have distinctive value and resonance both locally and abroad.

Show Overview

0:00 Exploring Art's Impact with David Lewis
3:10 Inspirational Art Teacher Influence
9:04 Architectural Education: Creativity and Advocacy
11:23 Returning Architectural Inspiration to Mississippi
15:52 Public Art Inspiring Civic Pride
18:49 Planetarium Renovation Vision and Strategy
21:56 Innovative Renovation and Revitalization
24:36 Mississippi Arts Funding and Support
29:52 Connecting with Mississippi's Creative Community
33:27 Southern American Novelty in Europe
35:07 Accessible Warmth of Southern Culture
39:02 Commendable Community Dedication
42:25 Supporting Mississippi's Creative Community