Arts United STL Concert Raised $350,000 for RAC Artist Relief Fund

Additional Donations Accepted through June 26

Money raised from the benefit will go to local working artists in emergency relief grants of $500 and $1,000.

Sixteen arts organizations came together on May 31 for Arts United STL, a free virtual benefit concert to raise funds for the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) Artist Relief Fund, which gives emergency grants to working artists whose livelihoods have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Arts United STL set a goal of raising $250,000 and exceeded that with a total of $350,000, including gifts and commitments made during and after the May 31 broadcast. The Arts United STL benefit performance can be viewed in its entirety at bit.ly/ArtsUnitedSTL.
“The vibrancy, diversity, and strength of the St. Louis arts community were brilliantly displayed on Sunday evening,” said Andréa Purnell, RAC commissioner and host of the Arts United STL broadcast. “At this time when we need artists’ voices more than ever, St. Louisans responded generously with love, hope, and vital support for artists across our region.”

Thanks to Arts United STL, the RAC Artist Relief Fund recently re-opened applications for working artists in urgent need due to lost income resulting from the pandemic. Donations to the RAC Artist Relief Fund can still be made through June 26, by either visiting ArtsUnitedSTL.com or texting “Artist” to (202) 858-1233. Artists interested in applying to the RAC Artist Relief Fund should visit racstl.org/covid19/relief2020. The application will close on June 12.

“We can only offer our deepest gratitude to all the donors, organizations, artists, and individuals who made this incredible evening happen,” said Andrew Jorgensen, general director of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. “We are so fortunate to live in a community that cares so deeply for the arts. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all our participants and supporters.”

Arts United STL gratefully acknowledges Presenting Sponsors Noémi and Michael Neidorff for their additional $50,000 challenge pledge to match any donations raised in excess of the $250,000 goal up to $300,000, and the Ferring Family Foundation for their generous donation of $25,000 towards that challenge. Sponsors include Edward Jones, Emerson, and Switch, with additional support from Karen & Mont Levy, the PNC Foundation, John Russell, Terry & Sally Schnuck, the Staenberg Family Foundation, Pam & Greg Trapp, and Wells Fargo Advisors. Additional media support was provided by partners HEC-TV, Guided: St. Louis, Curbside STL, Classic 107.3, St. Louis Public Radio, and WSIE 88.7 The Sound.

Arts United STL was produced by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in partnership with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival and was directed by Tom Ridgely. The broadcast featured performances from local arts organizations including The Big Muddy Dance Company, The Black Rep, Circus Flora, COCA, Jazz St. Louis, Metro Theater Company, The Muny, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Saint Louis Ballet, St. Louis Children’s Choirs, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, The Sheldon, STAGES St. Louis, the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, and more.