On Friday, December 2nd, the Arts and Education Council hosted FOCUS St. Louis's 2022-2023 cohort for their Leadership St. Louis program. The cohort spent the day exploring St. Louis' vibrant arts scene and connecting with leaders of the organizations at its core, including Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Pulitzer Arts Foundation, Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, Kranzberg Arts Foundation, Missouri Arts Council, Grand Center - St. Louis, COCA (Center of Creative Arts), Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Barrett Barrera Projects.

The day began with a panel discussion on the state of our local arts community moderated by Alesha Henley, Interim Executive Director at COCA. Participants included Chris Hansen, Executive Director at Kranzberg Arts, Michael Donovan, Executive Director at Missouri Arts Council, A&E's own President and CEO Lyah LeFlore-Ituen, Executive Director of Grand Center Inc. Rich Simmons, and President of Regional Arts Commission Vanessa Cooksey. 

We are honored to have been a part of this collaboration of our local arts organizations and connecting with the leaders who are doing the important work to keep art happening in St. Louis.

(photos courtesy of FOCUS St. Louis)