National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) logo

Celebrating Creativity with Gratitude: Thank You, Mississippi Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)!

I am honored to announce that I have been awarded a 2025 $500 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This incredible opportunity will be used to purchase review copies of my books, enabling me to share my work more broadly and connect with readers, reviewers, and literary enthusiasts across Mississippi and beyond.

Receiving this grant is not just a financial boost—it’s an affirmation of the value of storytelling and creativity within our community. Although I am not a lifelong Mississippian, I have been deeply inspired by the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of this state. The support of MAC makes it possible for artists like me to pursue our passions and contribute to the vibrant creative ecosystem here.

The Mississippi Arts Commission’s mission, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi State Legislature, is a testament to the power of the arts to enhance the quality of life and strengthen local economies. As David Lewis, MAC’s executive director, so eloquently put it: “Mississippi is synonymous with the quality of art that emits from our state. The arts enhance the quality of life and local economies.”

Grants like this allow artists to share their work with a wider audience, making a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of our communities. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited to see how it will help amplify my storytelling efforts and connect me with readers across the region.

To the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi State Legislature, and the National Endowment for the Arts: thank you for investing in the arts and empowering creatives to bring their visions to life. Your dedication to supporting artists, arts organizations, and arts education is truly inspiring.

To learn more about the incredible work of the Mississippi Arts Commission and its commitment to enriching our communities, visit www.arts.ms.gov. To learn more about the NEA visit https://www.arts.gov/.

For anyone looking to get a review copy of any of my works (ebook or print) please contact us through the website with your request.

With gratitude,
Michelle M. Pillow
NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

This project is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Skip to content