Missouri: Ghost Light Project

In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) this summer launched a new effort to fund and facilitate accessible and affordable arts performances in communities in need of cultural support. The Ghost Light Project aims to bring the arts to the 20 (out of 163) state legislative districts that currently do not benefit from MAC funding or programming. With a dedicated $10,000 in its fiscal year 2016 budget, MAC is underwriting performances in these districts by artists in its Missouri Touring Performers directory. Moreover, it is working with state representatives and their staffs to locate nontraditional performance venues, such as public schools and libraries, in participating communities that do not have arts organizations and spaces. MAC also is collaborating with local partners to manage marketing, booking and other logistics for the performances, helping to build community capacity to present future arts events. The ultimate goal of MAC’s new program—echoing the theater tradition of leaving on a single “ghost” light over a stage between shows—is to amplify the creative efforts of underserved rural and urban communities with limited access to arts funding or infrastructure. For more information, contact MAC Executive Director Michael Donovan.