Community can help give back to local arts with donations through April
By Jenna Wilson
The Allied Arts Council is seeking community help for its 42nd annual Arts Fund campaign to raise money for local arts agencies.
The campaign goal for 2024 is $300,000 and the campaign theme is Art-Ventures Connect Community.
“We have seven funded agencies this year that all have arts programming,” said Teresa Fankhauser, executive director of the arts council. “That’s everything from the Robidoux Resident Theatre, where you have live shows, to the Missouri Theater. I just finished their musical SpongeBob, which is part of how the Arts Fund has helped support our agencies by giving them the operational funds so that they can put on events for our community.”
During the arts fund’s 41-year history, over $6.5 million has been awarded to local arts and cultural nonprofits. Over 50,000 adults and children attended Arts Fund sponsored events last year, making a $20 million impact in St. Joseph.
In prior years, the arts council has raised nearly $250,000 for its campaign. It aimed for less in 2023 with a goal of $215,000.
The council decided a higher goal for 2024 would help local agencies to create quality performances.
“We really wanted to challenge ourselves and see if we can reach that $300,000 mark,” Fankhauser said. “The reason is these agencies need to be able to spend their time creating art projects and experiences for our community. If we can raise the money to help support them doing that, they spend less time worrying about how am I going to keep the lights on and instead look for new ways to reach out into the community and provide art experiences for everyone, including those who may not have the financial resources to do it.”
All of the arts council’s agencies have arts education programs that are free or reduced costs and have scholarships available for students who have financial need, Fankhauser added.
The deadline for 2024 donations is April 30.
To contribute to the Arts Fund or for additional information, visit the Allied Arts Council website at stjoearts.org/how-to-help/
