YAC Vies for Levitt AMP Grant to Increase Free Community Concerts

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC), founded in 1972 for the comprehensive promotion of all arts in Oxford and Lafayette County, works diligently with local artist and musicians to provide year-round arts and cultural programming for the entire L.O.U. community.

YAC’s latest mission can now use a push from those who love and support Oxford.

Levitt Pavilions is the national nonprofit organization behind the largest free concert series in America and the one responsible for the Levitt AMP grant. With months of effort, YAC and Oxford have received finalist status.

According to Levitt Pavilions website, “The Levitt AMP is a matching grant program in which each applicant must show a dollar for dollar match up to $25,000 from other sources.”

Wayne Andrews

Of the 25 finalists, 15 will receive the appropriated funds. According to YAC Director, Wayne Andrews, Oxford and the Arts Council most definitely want to be on the receiving end of the campaign. That is where the community can get involved, and involvement is easy.

“Oxford is a music city,” Andrews said. “Offering live music in our new pavilion with green space for the community hits on all the things that make our community great. If we are able to secure this funding, it will provide support to cover a wide range of artists.”

All it takes is a vote. YAC, currently tied for 24th, is in need of momentum. Residents, students and anyone who loves Oxford are encouraged to visit the YAC website: www.oxfordarts.com, and click on the link “Levitt AMP Your City Grant Award.” From there, users will be instructed on how to proceed.

View the video on why YAC should get the Levitt AMP grant.

Traditionally, most of Oxford’s outdoors concerts were geared toward the Grove stage or around the Oxford Square. However, the new Oxford Pavilion, located on University Avenue at the site of the Old National Guard Armory, will be the focus of the 10-week free concert series, of which everyone is welcome.

Oxford Pavilion, photo by Jeff McVay

“Typically, the biggest challenge when vying for a matching grant is raising the initial funds to be matched,” Andrews said. “In our case, that hurdle has been cleared. We are now in need of community support, which I am positive is there considering the continued success of free, outdoor events like the Summer Sunset series, for example.”

“Spread the word and rally your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to vote for us and bring 10 weeks of free concerts to the new pavilion,” Andrews said.

The community is encouraged to act soon as voting for the Levitt AMP grant ends November 30.

For more information, visit YAC’s website at www.oxfordarts.com or vote directly on the Levitt Pavilion website at www.levittpavilions.org.

Jeff McVay is a staff writer and graphic designer on HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at jeff.mcvay@hottytoddy.com.

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