Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, Oxford’s award-winning music and literature program, was named as a recipient of a $17,400 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Only a portion of the nearly $1.4 million in grants MAC will award in 2018-2019, the operating grant will be will be used to continue the work Thacker Mountain Radio Hour has been doing for over 20 years. According to Kate Teague, Executive Director/Producer, the grant will provide sustenance as the program grows throughout the next year.

“It allows us to continue doing what we love, and we’re just flattered and honored to be considered by them, as we continue to grow,” Teague said. “For example, in 2019, we’re planning on expanding our remote show series to include shows beyond our normal range.”

Teague also confirmed the return of Thacker’s Rowan Oak show, which will take place on Sunday, Oct. 21 in conjunction with SarahFest. The program will also be furthering its growth in terms of its podcasting platform, and launched a new website in the last month.

The ideals of Thacker Mountain Radio Hour are aligned with the ideals of MAC, according to Malcolm White, executive director.

“The Mississippi Arts Commission supports arts activities in nearly every corner of the state through grants to arts organizations, schools, communities and units of governments,” White said. “The projects and programming these organizations produce with MAC funds help enrich our state’s communities. This funding helps organizations provide arts experiences and educational opportunities to people who may not otherwise have access to the arts.”

The grants are made possible by continued funding from the Mississippi State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Above all, Teague said her main goal for Thacker Mountain Radio Hour is always bringing new forms of music and literature to audience members and radio listeners.

“This grant will make it possible for Thacker to continue its mission of celebrating and documenting the diverse sounds and stories of an evolving South,” Teague said.

During the school year, Thacker Mountain Radio Hour hosts a live show every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Off Square Books. Performances are also re-broadcast on Saturdays at 7 p.m. on Mississippi Public Broadcasting stations. For more information, visit http://thackermountain.com.