Senate Resolution 2

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MISSISSIPPI ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE (THE MAX) IN MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, UPON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE INAUGURAL CLASS OF ITS HALL OF FAME ARTISTS AND ENTERTAINERS.

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (THE MAX) will join the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi in the Rotunda of the New Capitol Building for the announcement of the Inaugural Class of its Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, when you talk Mississippi, you're talking Elvis Presley, Morgan Freeman, Sela Ward, William Faulkner, Jim Henson, Tennessee Williams, B.B. King, Oprah Winfrey, John Grisham, Eudora Welty, Leontyne Price, Walter Anderson, Jimmie Rodgers, George Ohr, Robert Johnson, James Earl Jones, Muddy Waters, Richard Wright and the list goes on. Telling the stories of these legendary Mississippians together, in one place, shaped the vision of The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, or THE MAX, in Meridian, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, THE MAX will showcase Mississippi's legacy in every area of the arts, honor Mississippi's worldwide legends in arts and entertainment and inspire tomorrow's artists to follow their own creative passions. To achieve this vision, THE MAX will:

· Recognize and honor Mississippi artists in all disciplines;

· Be a place of creativity, entertainment and learning;

· Celebrate our legacy in the arts through education, exhibitions and performances;

· Steer visitors to other museums within the state, forming a partnership that benefits all Mississippi regions and their legacies, from Tupelo's Elvis, to Indianola's B.B. King, to Pascagoula's Jimmy Buffett, to Jackson's Eudora Welty, to Ocean Springs' Walter Anderson, and many others;

· Contribute to the state's economy by adding jobs and generating additional tourism dollars for area businesses;

· Have a cultural impact that extends far beyond the borders of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, the Mississippi State Legislature enacted Senate Bill No. 2666 establishing the Southern Arts and Entertainment Center, Inc., now known as The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience. Over the next decade, THE MAX has made steady progress toward fundraising goals, despite financial blows from Hurricane Katrina and an economic recession. To date, the State of Mississippi has pledged $29 Million to the project. An additional $14 Million has been pledged from private businesses and individuals within the state and fundraising continues. The project is anticipated to attract 150,000 guests per year and generate millions of dollars annually for Mississippi's economy; and

WHEREAS, a Hollywood-Style Walk of Fame was unveiled on February 15, 2009, which leads from the MSU Riley Center to the entrance of THE MAX. New Walk of Fame stars will accompany the earlier stars of Jimmie Rodgers, Sela Ward, B.B. King, Marty Stuart, William Faulkner, Morgan Freeman, Walter Anderson, Mac McAnally, Hartley Peavey and others. Groundbreaking of THE MAX took place on October 3, 2015. Grand Opening is expected in 2018; and

WHEREAS, THE MAX will be housed in an architecturally iconic structure nearly 60,000 square feet in size. The unique design is a joint effort by LPK Architects of Meridian and Canizaro Cawthon Davis. Fully 1/2 of all space at THE MAX will educate and inspire visitors through interactive audiovisual exhibits telling the stories of how and why Mississippians have influenced the arts all over the world. The interactive exhibits at THE MAX are organized around five themes — the land, the home, the community, the church and the people. These exhibits are designed by Gallagher & Associates, a world-renowned firm with a strong history of creating exceptional visitor experiences; and

WHEREAS, soaring two stories tall, the dramatic Hall of Fame rotunda is the centerpiece of THE MAX. In this 360-degree exhibit, the tremendous impact of Mississippians in the arts and entertainment world is unmistakable. As famous faces come to life through interactive touch screens, guests will sense the full impact of just how many global cultural icons have called Mississippi home; and

WHEREAS, what is it about Mississippi that inspired so many artists and creators? THE MAX will take visitors on a vivid journey through Mississippi land and culture in search of the answer to that very question; and it is with great pride that we recognize this public-private partnership designed to experience Mississippi's deepest cultural influences firsthand:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby congratulate the Board of Directors of The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (THE MAX) in Meridian, Mississippi, upon the announcement of the Inaugural Class of its Hall of Fame Artists and Entertainers.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Board of Directors of THE MAX and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.