Mississippi might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about art, but the state does have a scene that’s worth talking about. First, each city, whether large or small, has its own unique take on “what’s art.” For example, in Jackson, you’ll find resources for puppetry artists, and head to the City of Gulfport where ceramics and pottery are popular art forms. In addition, many of Mississippi’s major cities are home to art museums, galleries, production studios, art & design centers, and performance venues.
The Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, The Gertrude Castellow Ford Center of the Performing Arts, and places like the Mississippi Film Studios at Canton help keep the art and culture scene alive in The Magnolia State. Mississippi’s learning institutions also lend a hand. Some offer art programs for fine artists such as painters and sculptors, while others offer programs for digital artists and many others. The University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University are just a few popular options.
Mississippi Art Schools
Mississippi is home to more than 40 accredited colleges and universities with more than 138,000 students enrolled. Hundreds are enrolled in art programs, with more than 500 enrolled in the state’s top art programs alone. Scroll through the list below to take a look at Mississippi’s best options for aspiring artists and what they have to offer.
Cleveland
Delta State University – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art, B. F. A. Art with Graphic Design Concentration
Columbus
Mississippi University for Women – Degrees Offered: B.A. Arts, B. F. A. Studio Art with Emphasis in Drawing and Painting, Printmaking, Photography; B. F. A. Studio Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design
Hattiesburg
University of Southern Mississippi - Degrees Offered: B.A. Art, B. F. A. Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Design
Jackson
Jackson State University – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art Studio, Graphic Design
Belhaven University – Degrees Offered: B.A. Art, B. F. A. Graphic Design with Emphasis in Digital and Print Media or Web and Interactive Media
Mississippi State
Mississippi State University – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art, B. F. A. Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design
University
The University of Mississippi - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art, Studio Art with Graphic Design Emphasis
More Art related programs to consider:
- San Francisco & Online
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
Employment and Salary Trends for Mississippi Artists
Mississippi is home to around 8,030 salaried artists. In 2002, it was home to 7,380.
The average salary for artists increased as well between 2002 and 2010. In 2002, Mississippi artists averaged $28,460. In 2010, they averaged $37,410. The mean annual wage for artists nationwide was $52,290 in 2010. In 2002, the average salary was $41,660.
Fine Artists: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mississippi was home to 40 salaried fine artists in 2002. The Bureau did not report figures for 2010, but figures for 2008 were available. In 2008, the state was home to around 30 salaried fine artists. The average salary for fine artists increased as well. The average salary for Mississippi fine artists was $23,880 in 2002. In 2008, it was $29,330
Art Directors: Mississippi had a population of 50 art directors in 2002. By 2010, the population doubled to 100. Salaries increased significantly as well during the same period. In 2002, Mississippi art directors averaged $48,390. In 2010, they averaged $57,780.
