ARTS AND EDUCATION COUNCIL UPDATE

We’re excited to share great news about the future of the Arts and Education Council (A&E). After careful consideration and respect for the decades-long legacy of supporting arts vibrancy in the St. Louis region, the Board of Directors of A&E merged with Network for Strong Communities (NSC) in August of 2024. NSC is a nonprofit that offers technical assistance to other nonprofits, enabling them to more effectively deliver their missions to communities. NSC has an historic relationship with A&E, providing training and administrative and fiscal management services.

Chris Dornfeld, former board chair of A&E stated “This merger enables new collaborations, new innovations and the next generation of talent to access more resources - a win for the entire St. Louis region.” Under the new structure, A&E board members will serve in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition.

The fall has seen the addition of Susan Rowe Jennings, former vice president of grants and administration for A&E and most recently the general manager of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival to NSC as Director of Arts & Education programs. Susan’s history with A&E and commitment to the arts in our community is already proving to be an extraordinary asset to the transition. With her help, NSC is engaging with key stakeholders and the advisory board to make plans for an exciting future.

In early 2025, we will convene town hall meetings with potential grantees to gather their input and announce the next round of grant applications to support arts and education organizations in our community. The new trajectory of A&E will also include grant opportunities for arts organizations to partner with health and human service nonprofits in order to support the arts as a tool for community wellness.

Your support has made it possible for A&E to make an impact in our community for over the last 60 years, addressing needs no other funding organization has met. We hope you will be our partner as we move into this evolution for A&E. We need your support to keep art alive in the St. Louis region. Please consider making a year-end contribution by clicking the donate button below. Your dollars will be designated for costs associated with A&E programs only.