Arts and Education Council announces 2018-2019 Operating Support Grants

The Arts and Education Council (A&E) announced today 20 arts organizations to receive 2018-2019 Operating Support Grants. Made possible by contributions from thousands of individual, corporate and foundation donors to A&E's annual fund, these grants provide unrestricted funding to help strengthen infrastructure, build sustainability and grow outreach programs.

These organizations are among nearly 100 organizations across the bi-state region that receive funding and support through A&E's programs, including PNC Program Grants, the Maritz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers, Monsanto Rural Community Arts Education Program, the stARTup Competition for arts entrepreneurs, the Art Education Fund, Monsanto Creative Impact Fund, stARTup-StL Crowdfunding and incubation support in A&E's Centene Center for the Arts.

Grant applications were reviewed by a volunteer panel from the Grants Committee of A&E's Board of Directors and evaluated based on merit, budget, mission, education and outreach efforts.

"When the arts are well supported and recognized, they create a ripple effect in our region by sparking innovation, energizing communities, inspiring children, building bridges between cultures and enriching lives. The Arts and Education Council is proud to provide critical funding to these organizations that align with our goal to promote the elements of a vibrant community," said Cynthia A. Prost, A&E president and CEO.

The following arts organizations (in alphabetical order) have been awarded 2018-2019 Operating Support Grants:

• Cinema St. Louis
• COCA
• Community Music School of Webster University
• Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
• Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design
• Jazz St. Louis
• Laumeier Sculpture Park
• Metro Theater Company
• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
• Radio Arts Foundation
• The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
• Saint Louis Ballet Company
• Saint Louis Fashion Fund
• Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
• Sheldon Arts Foundation
• Springboard to Learning
• St. Louis ArtWorks
• The St. Louis Children's Choirs
• St. Louis Symphony
• STAGES St. Louis

For more information about these organizations and A&E's Operating Support Grants, visit KeepArtHappening.org.

Photo: St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus