Mission
The Media Arts Council works to further its mission to actively support local artists and integrate a wide range of arts into the life of the entire community.
M.A.C. seeks to:
- Support artists by increasing opportunities to exhibit or perform their work in Media
- Create opportunities to communicate information about art happenings throughout the area
- Contribute to community arts events that appeal to all members of the community
Our overriding passion is the importance of the arts in the community, and the Media Arts Council seeks to support all who take part in the arts in the community.
History
A group of artists and residents of Media and surrounding communities met during 2004 to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing artists, art supporters and the community at large regarding the role of the arts in the community. This group evolved into the Board of Directors who moved to incorporate the organization as a 501c3 non-profit and establish it as a resource for the community. The Media Arts Council now has 14 volunteer board members and several volunteers working on multiple committees and connecting with other regional organizations to promote the arts where possible.
In 2010, the Media Arts Council hired its first Executive Director, Judy Fowler, one of the original founding members and first president of M.A.C.
Many M.A.C. events are in their fifth annual rotation and 2nd Saturdays have been a continuous monthly event since 2006 - celebrating its sith year and 72nd event in March of 2012.
2nd Saturdays in Media
- Inspired by a Second Saturday arts event in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Drew & Heather Arata of Earth & State decided to keep their store open late with live music and refreshments in March 2004.
- Over the next year, they stayed open almost every Second Saturday along with a few other local businesses.
- In 2005, word spread and more businesses started participating. (Our first radio ad appeared on WXPN.)
- In March 2006, the Media Arts Council jumped in to partner with local businesses to provide venues for local artists and musicians, and showing off downtown Media in the process.
- The event started with 14 participating businesses, now over 40!
- Monthly maps, publicity, and website updates came online shortly after.
- Stephanie Gaboriault, our first 2nd Saturday Coordinator, developed and sustained the event for over four years, transforming the weekend nightlife and cultural experience of downtown Media.
- The event expanded its goals into a summer street-closure to celebrate American independence and the anniversary of Bastille Day - taking place the 2nd Saturday after the July 4th holiday. Learn more about our Bastille Day Celebration.
- The 2nd Saturday Arts Stroll is now a popular monthly event with wide range of arts: dance, book signings, poetry readings, live music, artwork, etc.
- Ongoing volunteers including graphic design, map delivery, website updates, music & art coordinators, balloon pick up, etc.
- Coordination of special events with other organizations including the MBA, Media Theatre, and Community Arts Center.
- Celebrating the official 6th Year Anniversary in March of 2012 (but the event has been ongoing for eight years!)
A BIG thank you to all of our volunteers, coordinators, artists, musicians, and especially our local businesses who keep this event going every month - free for everyone! Learn more about our 2nd Saturday Arts Stroll.
