The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis is in search of individuals who are interested in making a meaningful difference in the region’s arts and culture sector.
RAC, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is seeking reviewers for grants in its upcoming cycle. A few of RAC’s better-known grantees include The Black Rep, the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis, the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Laumeier Sculpture Park.
“We have been supported by the Regional Arts Commission from the very beginning,” Himes told RAC. “We’ve done capacity building workshops with the Regional Arts Commission, the funding has been very, very important because it has been unrestricted and gone to support operating expenses.
RAC leverages public funding from both St. Louis City and the County to ensure all residents have access to world-class art and cultural entertainment. The organization has given more than 7,300 grants totaling more than $115 million over its forty years in existence.
“There have been times when the Regional Arts Commission has been a bridge in terms of funding for us, between seasons and between projects,” Himes said. “And they have managed to always be there to help us, whether we were at a peak or in a valley.”
2024 was a historic year for the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL). It awarded more than $9.69 million in grants to the arts and culture sector, with $3,697,743 coming from hotel/motel tax grants and nearly $6 million coming from ARPA for the Arts funding. Last year, 146 artists, 37 programs and 96 organizations were funded through hotel/motel tax grants.
“Supporting the arts and culture sector is crucial for the growth and prosperity of St. Louis City and St. Louis County,” said Vanessa Cooksey, President and CEO of RAC. “The sector provides nearly $868 million in economic activity, 12,000 jobs, and brings 8.1 million tourists and attendees to our theaters, venues, museums, festivals and more.”
Those interested in nominating themselves or someone else can do so at racstl.org/review-grants. Selections will be made based on experience, interest, and the number of applications submitted. Eligible reviewers will receive an honorarium of $200 for contributing their time and expertise.
Reviewers are selected based on the number and type of applications received. Applicants may or may not be called for service during the 2025 grant cycle. Those who are not selected will be added to RAC’s reviewer pool and may be contacted for future opportunities.
Individuals seeking to apply to become a grant reviewer should visit racstl.org/review-grants.
Please contact the RAC Grants Team with questions at grants@racstl.org. For more information about the Regional Arts Commission, visit http://racstl.org
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.