Celebrating an Incredible FY26 — Thank You for Believing in the Arts

A Message from Dr. Delita Johnson
Executive Director, Jackson Arts Council

Dear Friends,

Fiscal Year 2026 has ended, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every person who helped make the year one of growth, creativity, and collaboration for the Jackson Arts Council.

To our donors, artists, arts organization leaders, advocates, board members, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, elected officials, and supporters—thank you for believing that the arts make our community stronger. Your generosity, encouragement, and partnership have helped us continue our mission of strengthening our community through arts and culture.

Every exhibition, workshop, partnership, performance, grant opportunity, community event, and artist spotlight was made possible because people like you choose to invest in the arts.

FY26 Because of You

Because of your support, the Jackson Arts Council was able to:

Support local artists through exhibitions, networking opportunities, and promotional initiatives.
Strengthen nonprofit arts organizations by providing resources, collaboration opportunities, and advocacy.
Increase public awareness of arts and cultural programming throughout our region.
Build meaningful partnerships with businesses, government agencies, schools, and community organizations.
Expand access to arts experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Continue laying the foundation for long-term sustainability of the arts in West Tennessee.

Your contributions help fund:

Artist development initiatives
Community arts programming
Arts education and outreach
Public art projects
Advocacy efforts
Marketing and promotion of local artists and organizations
Cultural events that enrich our community

Every gift—large or small—creates opportunities for creativity to thrive.

Arts Backstage 2026: A Year to Remember

One of our most exciting accomplishments this year was the continued success of Arts Backstage 2026.

Through this initiative we:

Connected the community with local artists.
Introduced audiences to creative spaces throughout our region.
Highlighted the incredible talent that makes West Tennessee unique.
Strengthened relationships between artists, arts organizations, businesses, and community leaders.
Celebrated the impact of creativity on economic development and quality of life.

Thank you to everyone who participated, attended, sponsored, volunteered, and helped spread the word.
Together, we made Arts Backstage another tremendous success.

Looking Ahead: Dinner on the Hotel Lawn

We’re already looking ahead to an exciting new fiscal year, and we hope you’ll join us for one of our signature fundraising events:

Dinner on the Hotel Lawn

This special evening will bring together community leaders, artists, supporters, and friends for an unforgettable celebration of the arts while raising vital funds to support our mission.

Purchase your tickets HERE.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available!

Whether you’re a business, organization, or individual, becoming a sponsor is a meaningful way to invest in the future of the arts while receiving valuable community recognition.

For sponsorship information, please contact me via email at johnson@731arts.com or call our office at 731-422-1385.

Help Shape FY27

As we begin Fiscal Year 2027, we want to hear from you.
Your feedback helps us better serve artists, arts organizations, and our community.

Please complete our FY27 Community Survey by clicking HERE.

Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to win an original painting by local artist Carole J. Pearson.
Your voice truly matters.

Become a Monthly Arts Champion

The future of the arts depends on a community that believes in its value.
Please consider becoming a monthly donor.

Monthly giving provides dependable support that allows us to:

Expand programming
Support local artists
Strengthen arts organizations
Invest in new community initiatives
Respond to emerging opportunities throughout the year

Every recurring gift helps ensure that creativity continues to flourish in our community.
Click HERE to donate.

Stay Connected

Don’t miss upcoming events, artist opportunities, exhibitions, grants, and community celebrations.

Follow the Jackson Arts Council on social media
Facebook • Instagram

Visit our website
731arts.com

Thank You

As Executive Director, I am incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead.
FY26 reminded us that when a community comes together around the arts, extraordinary things happen.
We know there is still much work to do, and we cannot do it alone.

As we move boldly into Fiscal Year 2027, we invite you to continue this journey with us—by attending events, supporting artists, sharing our mission, completing our community survey, becoming a monthly donor, and encouraging others to get involved.

Together, we will continue building a stronger, more vibrant, and more creative West Tennessee.
Thank you for making the arts matter.

With sincere appreciation,

Dr. Delita Johnson
Executive Director
Jackson Arts Council

“Strengthening Our Community Through Arts and Culture”