Crossroads Cultural Arts Center (CCAC)

Crossroads Cultural Arts Center (CCAC)

Funding Received: 2014
Clarksdale, MS
$350,000
Funding Period: 1 year and 5 months
Folk & Traditional Arts, Literature, Music, Visual Arts | Economic Development, Youth Development | Rural
https://www.facebook.com/CrossroadsCulturalArtsCenter/
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Board Members - Meghan Tooke (President) and Timothy E. Lampkin share the vision of the CCAC with community members
photo credit: Dr. Rolando Herts
CCAC Board Members Pictured with Dr. Ann Markusen and Rosalind Wilcox - Chair of the Art Department at Coahoma Community College
photo credit: Dr. Rolando Herts
Board Members meeting with City and Coahoma Community College Staff
photo credit: Clarksdale Press Register
Crossroads Cultural Arts Center Building - Downtown Clarksdale
photo credit: Clarksdale Press Register
Dr. Ann Markusen sharing examples of creative placemaking projects with community stakeholders.
photo credit: Dr. Rolando Herts

Clarksdale, MS is located in the Mississippi delta and is famously home to many artists. The Crossroads Cultural Arts Center will include an art gallery, creative spaces for learning, performance space, a visiting artists loft, and retail space. The Center would be infused with the works of traditional and contemporary Delta musicians and visual artists, with an emphasis on local African-American artists and their traditions. 

Major Partners Include:

Clarksdale Revitalization, Inc. & Coahoma Community College 

Progress to-date:

  • Purchased building for Crossroads Cultural Arts Center
  • Recruited and selected independent nonprofit board members
  • Started applying for the 501(c3) status
  • Repaired roofing on the building to proceed with programming
  • Developing programming to open the center this summer
  • Developing job descrptiton to hire Director 
  • Hosted a strategy session with Dr. Ann Markusen to discuss community engagement  
  • Partnered with Delta State University to host a Lunch and Learn event with community stakeholders. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ann Markusen http://www.deltastate.edu/news-and-events/markusen-to-highlight-clarksdale-at-winning-the-race-conference/
  • Members of the Board of Directors and partners particpated on a panel to discuss "Creative Placemaking in Clarksdale" for the Winning The Race Conference held at Delta State University.