Artist Edge Academy Holds Graduation at Duling Hall

The eight-week program recently celebrated its latest graduates with a showcase in Jackson.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration showing an artist easel and brushes, reflecting the creative career development focus of an arts academy program. — Succeed and Elevate celebrated the latest graduates of the Artist Edge Academy with a showcase in Jackson, Mississippi, highlighting new professional arts skills. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Succeed and Elevate hosted the Artist Edge Academy graduation showcase at Duling Hall in Jackson. The event highlighted the professional achievements of the program's latest cohort.

Why it matters

The academy intends to help creatives build sustainable careers in the arts by providing instruction in professional skills and business acumen. Participants receive comprehensive training in leadership development, business education, and financial wellness.

The Artist Edge Academy program spans an eight-week intensive curriculum. This structured training focuses on professional skills and business acumen for local creatives.

The players

Succeed and Elevate

This organization operates the Artist Edge Academy to provide professional and business training for emerging artists.

Maranda Joiner

She serves as the leader of the organization Succeed and Elevate.

Elsie

She delivered the keynote address during the graduation showcase.

The details

Graduates presented performances at Duling Hall to highlight the skills developed during the eight-week course. The event also featured a keynote address from Elsie and an Impact Award presentation.

The Artist Edge Academy graduation showcase took place on October 28, 2026.

Culture Shift

This program reflects a broader trend of integrating business and financial literacy into arts education to replace the traditional conservatory training model. These initiatives aim to prepare graduates for the economic demands of professional creative careers.

Aspiring artists in Jackson can leverage this curriculum to improve their professional prospects and business management capabilities. The program offers a local resource for those looking to turn creative talents into sustainable financial ventures.

The takeaway

Creative professionals often benefit from balancing artistic practice with formal business and financial training. Aspiring entrepreneurs should look for local community programs that emphasize these practical career skills.