This publication documents the successes of a Mississippi Arts Commission program, entitled the "Artist Is In!". The program was created to provide arts experiences in rural and inner-city communities which have historically had little access to the arts. The program produced other benefits: spurred economic development and tourism; improved educational opportunities; increased civic pride; provided opportunity to address social issues; enhanced cross-cultural understanding; and raised esteem for arts among business professionals and public officials. The publication provides a detailed overview of 9 successful programs and summaries of 16 other projects, all of which use a combination of teachers, artists, and craftspeople to teach children about art and cultural heritage. Also included are two how-to sections with practical advice on beginning and maintaining an arts-in-the-community program. (DQE)