Since the proposed federal budget was released last week, conversations about public funding for the arts have been at the forefront. The Arts and Education Council does not receive federal, state, or local funding or tax monies. Since 1963, we have built our impact on the arts and culture community solely through private investment from individuals, foundations, corporations, and workplace giving campaigns. But let’s face it: conversations about arts funding are about more than money. They’re about the value of the arts both tangible and intangible.

At A&E, we firmly believe that the arts are essential for a thriving city and fundamental to what it means to be human. The arts fuel our economy, build bridges between cultures, inspire us (and our kids) and energize our communities. That’s why for more than 50 years, A&E has been committed to investing, impacting, celebrating, and accelerating the arts and arts education in our region.

A&E proudly supports the St. Louis region’s vibrant arts community through financial, professional development and incubation support for nearly 70 arts and arts education organizations each year. Why? Simply put, when the arts thrive, our city thrives.

Below are additional resources that demonstrate the vibrancy and the impact of the arts and how our leaders are integrating the arts into public policy. The information in these resources is powerful, but for many of us the power of the arts is in the impact they can have on individuals. You can read more about the outstanding work that your gift to A&E helps support here.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors like you who believe in the power of the arts to enrich our lives. Thank you for your support and belief in A&E’s mission to create a vibrant community for all. Together we will make St. Louis a wonderful place in which to live, learn, work, and play.

Editor's note (February 12, 2018): The Arts and Education Council now supports nearly 100 arts organizations across the bi-state region and in the Americans for the Arts' Economic Prosperity report released in July 2017, the arts now generate more than $590 million of economic impact locally.

Resources on Why the Arts Matter

Infographic about Economic Impact of the Arts in St. Louis

Arts and Economic Prosperity IV Report 

National Center for Arts Research's Arts Vibrancy Index II

Arts, Culture and Innovation from City of St. Louis Sustainability Plan