St. Louis arts organizations receive $5m in funding from regional commission
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ST. LOUIS, MO - The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC) has announced the completion of its $5 million grant distribution to local arts organizations as part of a broader initiative aimed at bolstering tourism in the region. This funding, sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is the final phase of RAC's $10.6 million allocation granted by the City of St. Louis to support artists and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $5 million was awarded to 21 organizations, with the goal of enhancing cultural tourism and encouraging out-of-town visitors to experience St. Louis's vibrant arts scene. This funding will support initiatives such as marketing, staffing, and program development. A notable portion, nearly $1 million, was allocated to the St. Louis Mural Project, which introduced 28 murals across the city’s 14 wards.
Vanessa Cooksey, president and CEO of RAC, emphasized the importance of these investments in helping the city expand its cultural tourism offerings. She noted that out-of-town visitors spent 71% more than locals when engaging in arts and culture activities, highlighting the significant economic impact of tourism on the region.
Several key arts organizations, including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Contemporary Art Museum, and Dance St. Louis, received substantial grants. These funds are expected to enhance programming and attract visitors from across the U.S., further solidifying St. Louis as a cultural destination.
The ARPA funds have been a vital part of the city's recovery strategy, helping to mitigate revenue losses and support arts organizations that are critical to the city's economic and cultural vitality.
The $5 million was awarded to 21 organizations, with the goal of enhancing cultural tourism and encouraging out-of-town visitors to experience St. Louis's vibrant arts scene. This funding will support initiatives such as marketing, staffing, and program development. A notable portion, nearly $1 million, was allocated to the St. Louis Mural Project, which introduced 28 murals across the city’s 14 wards.
Vanessa Cooksey, president and CEO of RAC, emphasized the importance of these investments in helping the city expand its cultural tourism offerings. She noted that out-of-town visitors spent 71% more than locals when engaging in arts and culture activities, highlighting the significant economic impact of tourism on the region.
Several key arts organizations, including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Contemporary Art Museum, and Dance St. Louis, received substantial grants. These funds are expected to enhance programming and attract visitors from across the U.S., further solidifying St. Louis as a cultural destination.
The ARPA funds have been a vital part of the city's recovery strategy, helping to mitigate revenue losses and support arts organizations that are critical to the city's economic and cultural vitality.
