For 40 years, the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis has been at the center of shaping and supporting an incredible arts and culture scene, elevating St. Louis’ status as an outstanding place to live, play, and visit.
In 1985, the St. Louis City Board of Alderman and the St. Louis County Council, acting on behalf of residents who cherish our region’s deep and diverse creativity, voted to establish this organization. And with that forward-thinking act, they embraced the arts as a priority for St. Louis.
During the four decades as our area’s largest public funder, the investment and impact has been significant.
40 YEARS. 7,300 + GRANTS. $115 + MILLION.
40 YEARS.
7,300 + GRANTS.
$115 + MILLION.
This milestone belongs to you as much as it does to us.
This is OUR story of creating – together.
And we’re just getting started.
40 YEARS OF…
40 YEARS OF…
…CREATING TOGETHER
…CREATING TOGETHER
From the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the nation’s second-oldest orchestra, to The Muny, the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, we’ve supported St. Louis’ most iconic and prolific arts nonprofits since our beginning. We have supported thousands of individual artists and organizations, building artistic practices and unlocking creative opportunities. 89% of the St. Louis community say the arts inspire a sense of pride, and we’re proud to have played a pivotal part in growing the entire arts and culture sector into what it is today.
…WELCOMING VISITORS
…WELCOMING VISITORS
St. Louis is an arts town. A welcoming, memorable place that’s easy to get to but hard to leave. It draws you in, urging you to uncover the unordinary. We celebrate self-expression. There’s something for everyone here. And with the arts and culture sector generating $868 million as recently as 2022, it’s clear there’s a serious demand for creative experiences that drive economic growth. With deep creative roots and an upswell in creative energy, St. Louis will continue to be a top destination in the center of the country.
…FOSTERING CHANGE
…FOSTERING CHANGE
In addition to being a funder, we are a passionate advocate, a true partner, and a leading catalyst for positive change. Throughout the last 40 years, we have created meaningful programs, responded to crises, and convened leading voices to bolster St. Louis’ arts scene. Arts and culture activity supports 12,000 jobs in St. Louis. As part of our role, it’s vital we ensure the arts provide thriving livelihoods for creatives. We will continue responding to the demands of a changing world in order to advance the sector.
Data above sourced from the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study
KEEP CREATING
TOGETHER
Join the movement to make St. Louis’ arts & culture scene shine for the next 40 years.
40 YEARS OF…