Sikeston group gets state money for community arts project

Anne Forbis, a volunteer at the Sikeston Depot Museum, puts up labels on the art work entered in the 28th Annual Regional Judged Art Show. The Depot received funding from the Missouri Arts Council which helps the organization fund art exhibits such as the Regional Judged Art Show, which will be featured through Oct. 27. Jill Bock, Staff

SIKESTON - A Sikeston organization is one of 331 to receive funding through the Missouri Arts Council.

The Sikeston Cultural Development Corporation, which oversees the Sikeston Depot Museum, was awarded $8,100 for use for community arts projects.

According to Mike Marsh, Depot director, the money is specifically earmarked for arts programs. It will be used to again host the Cowboy Up! Arts Festival, offer Family Night at the Museum and present art exhibits.

The Missouri Arts Council, a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, provided total funding of $4.33 million in support to more than 100 communities throughout the state. The grants support programs in arts education, arts services, community arts, dance, electronic media, festivals, literature, multidiscipline, music, theater, visual arts, folk arts and minority arts.

"These grants are crucial to helping move Missouri's economy forward and fortifying the cultural welfare of Missouri communities," Missouri Arts Council executive director Beverly Strohmeyer said in a news release. "The arts in Missouri are creating thousands of jobs, playing a significant role in attracting and retaining businesses, attracting tourists, enhancing education, and catalyzing community revitalization."

In addition to Sikeston, the Missouri Arts Council provided a $5,000 grant to Puxico R-8 School District, $15,151 to the Southeast Missouri Council on the Arts and five grants to Southeast Missouri State University for various programming.

For the complete article and more stories from the Standard Democrat, log on to the electronic edition.