The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL) 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.
Funding through hotel/motel tax grants supported 46 artists, 37 programs and 96 organizations, according to Vanessa Cooksey, RACSTL president and CEO.
She said the arts and culture 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 other events.
“The arts and culture sector continues to recover from the pandemic, as does the tourism sector,” said Cooksey.
“This year, St. Louis saw one of its lowest levels of convention activity, as measured by hotel room nights booked, since the pandemic began.
Additionally, about 40% of business travelers who took a trip at least three times a year before the pandemic expect to never travel for business again.”
“Given changes in audience behavior, in-person attendance is shifting – that coupled with a decline in corporate philanthropy – means the need in our arts community outpaces what funding we have available. This year, we received 960 total grant applications, by far, the highest in our history, said Ann Haubrich, grants and programs senior manager.
RACSTL ensures a diverse community of stakeholders and perspectives are included in the grantee selection process. Based on experience and interest, St. Louis City and County residents nominate themselves or others for the opportunity to receive an honorarium for reviewing grant application submissions, intentionally encouraging community involvement.
RACSTL works diligently to create an efficient application process, enhance opportunities for technical assistance, and focus on widespread outreach efforts.