Greater Jackson Arts Council has secured a title sponsor, the Jackson Heart Foundation, for the upcoming limited-edition signature Keith Haring Fitness Court project.

“We are thrilled to be a lead sponsor for this exciting new addition to Jackson,” said Morgan Geary, Executive Director of the Jackson Heart Foundation. “Our hope is that through this artistic approach, the fitness court will inspire people of all ages to try new forms of exercise. Improving the overall quality of life for those living in our community is the greatest impact we can make as a foundation. This project helps us attain that goal.”

A City of Jackson park (at the intersection of State Street and Woodrow Wilson Boulevard) will be home to the project, merging eye-popping colorful creations from an art world superstar with an outdoor fitness court fostering wellness, movement and community engagement.

“The community owes a tremendous thank-you to Jackson Heart Foundation,” said Silbrina Wright, GJAC Executive Director. “They jumped on board so quickly and in such a significant way that we were able to stake early claim to one of the most coveted designs for this Keith Haring series. Only ten of these sites are going up nationwide, and Jackson has secured one of the most iconic and popular themes, which, appropriately so, features a giant heart as the focal point of the artwork.”

“The Jackson Heart Foundation strives to improve the health and quality of life of our friends and neighbors,” Dr. Clay Hays, Vice Chairman of the Jackson Heart Foundation, said.  “Fitness courts and bike trails do precisely that. Keith Haring art as part of it all is an added bonus.” 

The Jackson Heart Foundation’s title sponsorship is joined by support from the City of Jackson and Visit Jackson at the presenting level. A few select sponsorship opportunities are still available in advance of the fitness court’s grand opening later this year.

Keith Haring (1958-1990) is a name synonymous with public art and charitable good works. His daring move in the 1980s to make his sought-after designs accessible to people from all walks of life disrupted the art scene and threw down a gauntlet that made him a visionary far ahead of his time. More than just creating works of art, he fashioned a universal visual language that lives on as an incredible legacy.