The non-profit arts industry, with $36.8 billion in annual revenue, is a potent force in economic development nationwide. Communities large and small across the country have integrated the arts into their economic development arsenal to achieve a wide range of economic goals.
Should Columbia choose to follow these examples, some local leaders are emerging to carry the effort forward:
Christina Sterman and other community members have recently come together to found Artistic Expressions, an organization established to "provide an outlet for our youth to express, grow and share artistic talents" in Columbia. Members are redeveloping a house near Metter Park into an arts center and are planning an Opening Celebration on Sunday, May 24th--the same day as Maifest.
The Monroe Actors Stage Company's production of "Nunsense" has been nominated for six awards by the Arts For Life Theatre Recognition Guild, which honors excellence in community musical theatre in the St. Louis metropolitan region. "Nunsense," which was the MASC season opener in September, is among the five shows nominated for Best Musical, Small Ensemble, for 2008. Director Lynn Venhaus has been nominated for Best Director, and performers Tammy Duensing (Sister Robert Anne) and Liz Sawyer (Sister Mary Amnesia) are up for recognition for Best Actress in a Comedic Role. For technical achievement, the set design team of Venhaus, Sawyer and John Campbell are nominated, as is Tim Foederer for Best Lighting Design.
With artistic talent like this in the community, Columbia has a good foundation for growth in the arts.
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