State of the Nation
State of the Nation was a semi-annual multidisciplinary arts festival and bi-monthly series that brought together student, emerging, and professional performing and visual artists from across the United States who are committed to addressing social, political, and economic issues facing the Gulf South. Co-Produced in New Orleans, LA and Jackson, MS annually since 2004, SON presented the work of over two hundred and fifty dancers, musicians, theater artists, poets, painters, sculptors, filmmakers, activists and educators.
The State of the Nation Festival originated out of a collaboration between ArtSpot Productions and M.U.G.A.B.E.E. (Men Under Guidance Acting Before Early Extinction). It was then produced by ArtSpot Productions, M.U.G.A.B.E.E. and Mondo Bizarro in conjunction with community partners who vary year to year.