Wednesday, July 27 | Meridian, Miss. … CAPE joined forces with the City of Meridian, Main Street Meridian, and Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience to gather public input as part of the Art + Exchange Story-Gathering Tour. This research serves as part of Phase 1 of a new program of place-based artist residencies that will fund community-engaged artworks across Mississippi.
Participants shared their opinions on the past, present, and future of the community. This input will be utilized in Phase 2 of the residency program, when Mississippi artists will be invited to propose specific project ideas that address narratives raised by the public.
Development and Economic Access
PAST AND PRESENT
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Downtown revitalized
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Good restaurants
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Traffic not challenging
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The Meridian High School football team
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The weather is primarily great, but the heat can be a negative
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Keeping trash cleaned up is a challenge
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Some people are afraid of change and progress
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There is a resistance to change
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Not enough tech and art jobs in this area to meet demand
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
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Make changes; grow as a city; attract businesses and visitors
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Get more of the community to come out to events and shop downtown
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Grants writer for community
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Better use of existing resources
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Additional downtown restaurants, bakery, coffee shop
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Showcase our chefs
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Industrial growth
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More job opportunities, period
Community Narrative
“People will tell your story for you, if you don’t tell it.”
PAST AND PRESENT
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People are very social
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We have regular, inclusive city events
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Backwards mentality; no progression or critical thinking skills
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(Gun) violence is an issue
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Gangs and shootings are problem for law enforcement
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There is a lack of political awareness; awareness of what goes on elsewhere is needed
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There is a lack of leadership; people have agendas
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Bashing of city administration is a rampant
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Getting the youth involved in activities and events is challenging
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The kids are the future; if they don’t have something to be a part of they’ll tear it down
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
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Total community involvement
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We need bridge-building opportunities within community
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More youth programs
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Better communication among politicians
Public Spaces, Buildings
PAST AND PRESENT
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Bonita Lakes is a beautiful place to go and relax or have family time
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Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian
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Threefoot Building
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Beautiful, historic architecture falling apart
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
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Clean up our city
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Take down old broken-down vacant houses all over Meridian
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Restore Merrehope House
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Amphitheatre
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Parking towers
The Arts
“I get tired of hearing there’s nothing to do; if we attended events as a community, there’d be nothing to complain about.”
PAST AND PRESENT
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Meridian Museum of Art does a great job connecting with organizations to do art classes
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There is an increased interest in arts downtown
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The Riley Center/Grand Opera House
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Temple Theater for the Performing Arts
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The MAX
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Rich musical heritage in the hub city
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Parents are very interested in providing arts integration for their children; very supportive of community arts
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Amy Owen Child Initiative; working toward equity and access to the arts for children and students in our city
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Flash Film Fest; Rails to Reels Film Festival
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
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Arts education for schools; general knowledge about arts benefits
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Get community to attend and support the arts opportunities
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Refurbish the Temple Theatre
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Shed more light on David and Jimmy Ruffin (The Temptations), Al Wilson, and other musicians
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Artwork downtown: public murals, sculpture, etc.
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Funded artist residencies
Diversity and Equity
PAST AND PRESENT
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Integration of Meridian Community College in 1965
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Food deserts, poverty are issues
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
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Boost the economy to raise living standards
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Lights in the projects (criminals hide in the dark)
