Hattiesburg resident to lead state lobbying effort

HATTIESBURG, Miss - Hattiesburg's Ivey Swan is set to partner with the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) to launch their annual State Art Lobby day in Jackson next week.

"I am really hoping to open the eyes of government officials that we need the arts desperately in Mississippi" said Swan.

Swan is advocating for access and equity for children to receive complete education that includes the arts.

"It is part of our heritage and it is part of our tradition, but it is also part of economic growth" Swan said.

She mentions that over 60,000 jobs are funded by the arts in Mississippi.

Swain said, "It is incredible, think about what those people would be doing now if they did not have the arts and tourism here in this state."