The Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters (MIAL) is a privately funded foundation created to recognize annually the greatest accomplishments in art, music, literature, and photography among Mississippians. The idea was conceived by, among others, former Mississippi Governor William Winter, Dr. Cora Norman, Dr. Aubrey Lucas, and Dr. Noel Polk in 1978, and the first awards were given out in 1980.[1]
Nominations for a Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters Award may be made only by registered members of the Institute. The winners are chosen by a jury of prominent academics in each of nine fields:[1]
The ceremony is held in a different Mississippi city each year.