The relationship between arts education and improved student outcomes is well-established, with research demonstrating that students who study the arts have better attendance, lower dropout rates, and higher standardized test scores in reading and math and are better prepared to enter the workforce. The North Carolina Arts Council (NCAC) has long recognized the importance of…
Artists play a pivotal role in fueling a creative state. In an effort to promote and support local artists, the Missouri Arts Council launched the Featured Artists program. Through this initiative, the council spotlights four individual artists each month who are producing original work in a variety of art mediums and genres, including but not…
Arts and culture play a vital role in crisis recovery and collective well-being. There is currently a high level of interest in learning how to reopen the arts sector after the programming reductions forced by COVID-19. However, resuming arts activities and reopening cultural venues require addressing a kaleidoscope of ever-changing circumstances. Reopening practices necessitate taking…
An effective way state arts agencies can help increase diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the arts is by funding arts and culture groups that are run by or that have a mission to serve underrepresented populations. The Missouri Arts Council (MAC), for example, designed its Minority Arts Grants program in effort to strengthen its…
Through its new Alchemy Award, the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) recognizes the state’s economic developers—including individuals, businesses and organizations—that leverage the arts to create jobs, develop the work force or generally enhance the economy. The award celebrates the transformative power of the arts, which can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary in business just as…
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…
In November, the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) kicked off an effort to convene arts institutions, arts organizations and teaching artists committed to making facilities, programming and educational offerings accessible to all people, including those with disabilities. MAC’s vision is to establish local accessibility networks throughout Missouri, and its November meeting, which gathered groups based in…
The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) has announced a new grant program replacing its former Capacity Building grant. The new Accelerate program not only awards financial support, but also strengthens organizational capacity through a three-step process: assess, act and accelerate. First, boards and senior staff of participating organizations evaluate their programming, operations, fund-raising and leadership using…
The Missouri Arts Council (MAC) is promoting model programs in which local libraries are broadening access to the arts for Missouri citizens. Through its newsletter and website, MAC is highlighting innovative library programs that build audiences for both libraries and the arts while fostering community literacy and strengthening relationships between libraries and artists. The model…
According to a study recently released by the Missouri Alliance for Arts Education, students who receive instruction in the arts achieve significantly higher standardized test scores in math and communication arts. Funded by the Missouri Arts Council (MAC), Arts Education Makes a Difference in Missouri Schools also reports better attendance, graduation and discipline rates for…
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