OUR MISSION STATEMENT​

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The Greenville Arts Council promotes the rich cultural heritage of the region, and stimulates and encourages cultural activities, arts appreciation, arts education, and the creative works of artists. The E.E. Bass Foundation works diligently to build a strong vibrant community by providing a space for a variety of cultural events, ranging from community theatre to art exhibits and lectures.  

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The Greenville Arts Council was founded in 1983 after the success of a community-driven celebration of our literary and artistic heritage: The Time Has Come. (1982) The founders of the organization were: Georgie Fisher, Robert Jenkins, Chuck Jordan, Gayden Metcalfe, Seymour Weiss, and Leila Wynn. The organization has continued to grow and thrive, and a second festival of "The Time Has Come" was celebrated in 2010, further celebrating our heritage while recognizing up-and-coming authors and artists. 

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GAC moved into the E. E. Bass Cultural Arts Center on South Main Street in 2006 from its former home at the Wetherbee House when it merged with the Bass Foundation. The organization was originally housed in the May home on Washington Avenue. The Roger D. Malkin Gallery was created by funds from The Deer Creek Foundation in 2006.  In 2007, the Junior Women's Club turned over the ownership and care of the antique 1901 Armitage-Herschell Carousel after its restoration to the E. E. Bass Cultural Arts Center. Today, the Greenville Arts Council’s Executive Director, Office Coordinator, and its Board of Directors maintain the organization as well as the E. E. Bass Education and Development Foundation, the E. E. Bass Cultural Arts Center grounds, the Malkin Gallery, and the historic carousel.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

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President: Janet Benzing             Delta Regional Medical Center, Executive Director of Ancillary Services

Vice President: M. Austin Frye    Fourth Court District, Assistant District Attorney

Treasurer: Jon Alverson               Delta Democrat Times

Secretary: Kathy Bullard             Greenville Golf and Country Club, Social Manager

Tamicko Fair                               Fourth Circuit Court District Manager

Betsy Bostic                                Parish Administrator, St. James Episcopal Church

Mary Catherine Brooks                 Mississippi State University/Delta Council, Visual Artist

Jack Jackson                                Jackson Dance Studio

Dee Jones                                   Hope Credit Union, Vice President Community & Economic Development

Terri Lane                                    Exec. Director, Community Foundation of Washington County

Melissa Moyse                            Delta Regional Medical Center

Wesley Smith                              Washington County CVB, Executive Director

Elisabeth Steele                           Greenville Travel/Let’s Travel

Woodrow Wilkins                       Assignment Manager, The Delta News