Impact

In 1993, the state legislature created the Missouri Cultural Trust in an effort to help stabilize funding for the arts in Missouri. The Trust is funded by 60% of the income tax on non-resident professional athletes and entertainers (A&E tax). The Trust is governed by the members of the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) and five elected officials: two members each from House of Representatives & the Senate, and the State Treasurer.

Access the State Statute (section 143.183 RSMo) that defines the Cultural Trust here.

Access the summary of the Missouri Non-resident Athletes & Entertainers Tax here.

The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE) is a consortium of arts education associations that represent dance, drama/theatre, music and visual art. The members of these associations have joined together with other fine arts and education-related organizations in Missouri in order to speak with a louder voice for the importance of the arts in schools. For more information about the MAAE or to get involved as a volunteer, teacher or student, visit MAAE’s web site. 

Americans for the Arts (AFTA), a national arts advocacy organization, is an important resource for arts advocate. AFTA regularly conducts studies on the impact of the arts nationwide, organizes advocacy efforts at the Federal level and offers a variety of publications, webinars and interest groups to assist citizens and groups in their efforts to advocate for public support of the arts. For more information about AFTA’s programs and services, particularly their studies on the economic impact of the arts, visit the AFTA web site.

Here is an informative infographic that illustrates why the arts matter in Missouri. Check it out!