ARTS ADVOCATE LECTURES AT SOUTHERN MISS

HATTIESBURG -- A collaboration between The University of Southern Mississippi's Museum of Art and Department of Economic Development will bring to campus the person most responsible for bringing world-class exhibitions to Mississippi for two free lectures Sept. 16 about his experiences in economic development.

Jack Kyle, executive director of the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange (MCICE) in Jackson, was responsible for organizing the largest art exhibitions ever presented in Mississippi: The Palaces of St. Petersburg, The Splendors of Versailles, The Majesty of Spain, and the upcoming Glory of Baroque Dresden, all held in Jackson.

"Jack Kyle is a native Mississippian and an advocate of the importance of the arts in the life of every person," said Jay Dean, musical director for the university's Symphony Orchestra. "I, through the Symphony, have had an active association with him on all the exhibitions he has brought to Mississippi and have learned a great deal about promotion from him."

The first session, sponsored by the Department of Economic Development at 2:30 p.m. at the Gonzales Auditorium in the Liberal Arts Building, will address "Utilizing the Arts to Improve the Economy and International Image of Mississippi."

The second session, presented by the Museum of Art at 4 p.m. in the Museum's Woods Art Gallery, will address "Having the Vision to Develop an International Arts Career" and "What It Takes to Present an International Arts Exhibition."

"These lectures shall be most informative to those interested in the arts, economic development, public relations or event promotion," said Tony Lewis, director of the Museum of Art at Southern Miss. "Jack Kyle has done much to make Mississippi a cultural destination."

Kyle, a graduate of Delta State University who served in the United States Navy, has been the executive director of MCICE since its inception in 1994. Under his leadership, more than $30 million has been expended in organizing and presenting three internationally acclaimed art exhibitions.

Yet, The Palaces of St. Petersburg, The Splendors of Versailles, and The Majesty of Spain exhibitions attracted more than one million visitors to Jackson, produced $10 million in tax revenue, generated an economic impact of $150 million, and garnered unprecedented media coverage including the New York Times; Good Morning, America; USA Today; and CBS News, as well as extensive international media coverage.

In 2002, Kyle signed contracts in Dresden, Germany, for Jackson to host the first major art exhibition from the State Art Collections Dresden in North America in 2004, called The Glory of Baroque Dresden.

Both lecture sessions are free and open to the public. For more information, call (601) 266-4035.

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