Jim Hill High School’s auditorium recently received a boost thanks to a $30,000 Building Fund for the Arts (BFA) grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This funding supports essential upgrades to the space, which plays a vital role in the school’s academic and cultural life.

Since its inception in 2001, the BFA program—established through an appropriation by the Mississippi Legislature and administered by MAC—has helped expand and improve public facilities used for arts programming across the state. The program focuses on the repair, renovation, and expansion of spaces that foster artistic expression and community engagement.

At Jim Hill, the auditorium serves as a central hub for scholar creativity and achievement. It hosts a wide range of events, including musical performances, theatrical productions, choir concerts, guest speaker engagements, and the annual Coronation of Mr. & Miss Jim Hill. It’s also a space where families and community members gather to celebrate scholar success, and where staff participate in professional development and event planning.

The MAC grant funded immediate cosmetic upgrades and minor repairs to the auditorium. It also supported a feasibility study conducted by Durrell Design Group, which assessed the potential for a full-scale rehabilitation of the space in alignment with district guidelines and grant requirements. The findings from this study will inform future improvements led by Jackson Public Schools.

This investment ensures that the Jim Hill Auditorium continues to be a place of inspiration, celebration, and excellence—serving scholars, educators, and the broader community for years to come.