Founded in 1972 with a mission to ensure a place for arts in the community, the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council offers diverse programs, professional development services, and support to serve artists and residents in Lafayette County.

The staff, board, and volunteers work to support 300 days of arts programs annually. Programs offer opportunities and resources for students and emerging artists while supporting over 20 different arts organizations including live theatre, dance, concerts, creative arts classes, culinary experiences, film screenings, festivals, and more. The Arts Council manages the Powerhouse Community Arts Center, the Old Armory Pavilion, the Lafayette County Arena, and the Yokna Sculpture Trail. The organization was a 2018 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Arts in the Community.

Generous support from the local community through an annual membership campaign, a series of signature fundraisers, sponsorships by local businesses and grants from the City of Oxford, Lafayette County, the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi Humanities Council, South Arts, Visit Oxford, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities support programs, facilities, and technology to empower the creative voices that reflect our community and the Hill Country region.

We invite you to explore your community through the Arts: join us at a signature event, participate in a class, or start your festival!