Making Art Connections Across Selma has received a $22,000 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to support the organization’s growth and expand community arts programming across Selma and the Black Belt.
The funding will allow MACAS to hire an executive director and broaden its outreach, particularly through its Youth Art Club Across Selma (YACAS) initiative. Leaders say the investment will help the organization reach more young people while increasing the number of community-based arts experiences available to residents.
Executive Director Helene Taylor said the grant represents a major milestone for the organization.
“Receiving funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts feels like validation for the work we have been doing in Selma and the Black Belt for years,” Taylor said. “With little to no funding, we have created murals, led arts education in schools, and facilitated community-building arts experiences with partners. This support allows us to expand that impact even further.”
MACAS leaders say the grant reflects the organization’s role in strengthening communities and contributing to Alabama’s cultural vitality. With additional resources, the group plans to introduce new programming, deepen partnerships and create more opportunities for public participation in the arts.
As part of this expanded programming, MACAS is launching a series of free, public events in May in collaboration with ArtsRevive. These events aim to engage residents of all ages while celebrating creativity and community.
The events include a Skate Park Paint Party on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bloch Park. The group will improve the skate park with featured artist Dewon Moton and offer music, hotdogs and opportunities for participants to earn a free skateboard. It is open to all ages.
Jazz It Up! weekend events are coming up with MACAS and ArtsRevive hosting renowned New Orleans trumpet player James Andrews and the Crescent City All Stars for a weekend of performances and activities.
The event starts with an Umbrella-Making Workshop on Thursday, May 7 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Create Space at Gallery 905. Participants will design umbrellas for the 2nd Line Parade. The event is free but registration required as it is limited to 20 participants. Go to the events page at MACASELMA.Org to register.
A free concert will be held in Uniontown Friday, May 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Re-Union, 502 Water Avenue. Another free concert and 2nd Line Parade will be held on Saturday, May 9 starting with lineup at 5 p.m. on the Selmont side of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Parade begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a free concert at ArtsRevive’s Carneal Building on Water Avenue.
All events are free and open to the public. Organizers encourage community members from across the region to attend and take part in celebrating the arts.
MACAS officials say the grant will continue to fuel efforts to reach new audiences, foster community development, and highlight the importance of arts and culture as essential components of quality of life in Alabama.
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