Centene Center

The Arts and Education Council enriches the vibrancy of the St. Louis community by investing in arts organizations and growing the base of local arts supporters. The Arts and Education Council was founded in 1963 when a few arts patrons took responsibility for the future of cultural activity in the St. Louis metropolitan area. This was the year that the United Way focused its mission on funding health and human services organizations, leaving nine arts organizations without funding. Two of those organizations - Young Audiences of St. Louis and the Community Music School of Webster University ( formerly CASA ) - are receiving funding today. Morton D. May, Margie May, J. W. McAfee, Evelyn Newman, Kenton R. Cravens, Adelaide ( Jabber ) Cherbonnier, Adelaide Schlafly, Edgar Monsanto Queeny and scores of others moved the concept forward. They called this effort the Spirit of St. Louis Fund. On February 8, 1963, four members of the original Board of Directors - Malcolm W. Martin, Robert Brookings Smith, Howard F. Baer and Clarence M. Turley - signed the Articles of Incorporation and the Arts and Education Council was born. Robert Brookings Smith became the first Chairman of the Board. In its 45 year history, the Council has raised $100 million in support of arts and arts education organizations. In 1968, the Arts and Education Council presented the first CAMELOT auction an acronym for Cultural Auction of Many Extraordinary Lots of Treasure. This event changed the face of charity benefits in St. Louis. Other major fundraisers have included the Arts Festival for Children the St. Louis Arts Festival In 1992, the first St. Louis Arts Awards was created by then President of the Arts and Education Council, Pat Rich. On January 26, 2009, the 18th Annual St. Louis Arts Awards will be presented, showcasing the breadth, depth and diversity of the arts throughout our region. In 2007, 44 years after its founding, the Arts and Education Council renewed its commitment to work in partnership with donors and the arts community by completing a five year strategic plan. Click here to download a pdf copy of the plan. The Better Business Bureau awarded The Arts and Education Council the Wise Giving Seal of Approval. The Seal assures our donors that the Council will maintain high standards in the areas of fiscal responsiblity, fund raising and governance so together we can and will keep art happening!