After Missouri’s annual Capitol Christmas tree decorating ceremony on December 8, Missouri Citizens for the Arts delivered 1,006 letters to Governor Jay Nixon asking for increased budget consideration for the Missouri Arts Council (MAC). The organization's initial goal was to drop off 500 letters but quickly surpassed its target as letters poured in from across the state in support of the arts.

Missouri arts supporters are advocating for the governor to recommend full funding for the arts this year by allocating proceeds from Missouri’s non-resident professional athlete and entertainers tax. Due to post-season playoffs, collection of the tax has been highly profitable. Under the division of the Department of Economic Development, MAC strives to increase participation in the arts, grow Missouri’s economy using the arts, and strengthen Missouri education through the arts.

Photo credit: Missouri Citizens for the Arts