The Delta Music Institute (DMI) at Delta State University recently received a $4,300 project grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of the $1.3 million in grants the Commission will award in 2020-21. The funds will be allocated to a virtual camp for high school students exploring entertainment industry career tracks in audio engineering, singer/songwriting, and instrumental performance.
After suspending the annual DMI summer camp due to COVID-19, Richard Tremmel, director of the DMI, and his staff had to devise an alternate plan for interacting with high school students that provided opportunities for them to experience elements of the entertainment industry. “The MAC project grant will help support the finances needed to implement an online version of our camp and introduce campers to audio recording, songwriting, and performance,” said Tremmel.
“At a time when the arts community is still very much reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are truly delighted to be able to provide these funds to worthy organizations across the state,” said Malcolm White, executive director of MAC. “We are proud to support the efforts these organizations have made to keep the arts alive in their communities.”
The DMI is an independent center under the College of Arts & Sciences at Delta State whose mission is to provide students with a broad and thorough education in the technological, creative, and business areas of the entertainment industries. The DMI offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Industry Studies. This innovative program is intended to develop a broad range of skills in audio engineering technology, entertainment industry entrepreneurship, and multimedia technology that will give students a foundational base of knowledge for working in various entertainment industry careers. Our alumni will be well prepared for the technical, business, and legal issues that confront the practicing entertainment industry professional today and in the future.
The Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, serves the residents of the state by providing grants that support programs to enhance communities; assist artists and arts organizations; promote the arts in education and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. Established in 1968, the Mississippi Arts Commission is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation for Mississippi and other private sources. The agency serves as an active supporter and promoter of arts in community life and arts education.
