Mississippi and Washington, D.C., architecture firms partner to win Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center contract

MERIDIAN—At a news conference on Tuesday, July 27, it was announced that the Washington, D.C., firm of Martinez & Johnson Architecture is the lead agent in developing the Meridian-based Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center. The Center will include a hall of fame, outdoor amphitheater, Choctaw Cultural Center, concert hall, and artists-in-residence village. Martinez & Johnson partnered with Pryor & Morrow Architects of Columbus, MS to win the job from among 19 applicants nationwide.

Martinez & Johnson has a nationally recognized expertise in the design of the performing arts facilities including the Boston Opera House and the Boyd Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. Pryor & Morrow’s previous projects include Merchants and Marine Bank in Pascagoula and the Franklin Center for Furniture Manufacture and Management at Mississippi State University.

The Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center is not the first project in which the two firms have partnered. The Riley Education and Performing Arts Center in Meridian currently under development represents another venue in which the firms have successfully collaborated.

“We’re honored to be a part of the design team,” said Roger Pryor of Pryor & Morrow, “We want to bring dignity and authenticity to the design of this facility which distinguishes the fine Mississippi artists represented.”

Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Leland Speed spoke at the event about the overall economic picture of the state and the impact tourism has as Mississippi’s second largest service industry.

“We are going to support you and work with you in every way we can through the Mississippi Development Authority,” Speed told the group.

Gary Martinez of Martinez & Johnson added, “This group will work day and night to capture the tremendous spirit of Mississippi art and culture.”

Also on hand for the announcement were actress Sela Ward who has served as the MAEC’s honorary chairperson, Rep. Chip Pickering, Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Leland Speed, and other state and local officials.

“Art and entertainment enhances quality of life, but they also bring great economic opportunity to our state,” commented Rep. Pickering, “I’m proud to be a part of this effort.”

Mississippi and Washington, D.C., architecture firms partner to win Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center contract July 27, 2004 MERIDIAN—At a news conference on Tuesday, July 27, it was announced that the Washington, D.C., firm of Martinez & Johnson Architecture is the lead agent in developing the Meridian-based Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center. The Center will include a hall of fame, outdoor amphitheater, Choctaw Cultural Center, concert hall, and artists-in-residence village. Martinez & Johnson partnered with Pryor & Morrow Architects of Columbus, MS to win the job from among 19 applicants nationwide. Martinez & Johnson has a nationally recognized expertise in the design of the performing arts facilities including the Boston Opera House and the Boyd Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. Pryor & Morrow’s previous projects include Merchants and Marine Bank in Pascagoula and the Franklin Center for Furniture Manufacture and Management at Mississippi State University. The Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center is not the first project in which the two firms have partnered. The Riley Education and Performing Arts Center in Meridian currently under development represents another venue in which the firms have successfully collaborated. “We’re honored to be a part of the design team,” said Roger Pryor of Pryor & Morrow, “We want to bring dignity and authenticity to the design of this facility which distinguishes the fine Mississippi artists represented.” Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Leland Speed spoke at the event about the overall economic picture of the state and the impact tourism has as Mississippi’s second largest service industry. “We are going to support you and work with you in every way we can through the Mississippi Development Authority,” Speed told the group. Gary Martinez of Martinez & Johnson added, “This group will work day and night to capture the tremendous spirit of Mississippi art and culture.” Also on hand for the announcement were actress Sela Ward who has served as the MAEC’s honorary chairperson, Rep. Chip Pickering, Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Leland Speed, and other state and local officials. “Art and entertainment enhances quality of life, but they also bring great economic opportunity to our state,” commented Rep. Pickering, “I’m proud to be a part of this effort.”
	Executive Director Charlotte Tabereaux leads state officials and MAEC board members on a tour of the facility site.

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In a surprise announcement, MAEC Executive Director Charlotte Tabereaux related that country music star Faith Hill will be serving as the new honorary chair and spokesperson for the Center, following in Ward’s capable footsteps. Ward said, “Faith’s agreeing to be spokesperson is a huge coup.” Also citing the hiring of the architecture group, she added, “Everything as far as the Center goes is moving in a positive direction.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Charlotte Tabereaux, Executive Director, Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Center at 601-581-1550 or 601-938-0162 Cindy Hodo, Quest Group 662-494-0244 Kirsten Shaw, Quest Group 601-956-3525