Donor Spotlight: Regional Arts Commission

For four decades, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) of St. Louis have shared a partnership dedicated to strengthening St. Louis’ arts and culture scene through music. The relationship goes back even further than RAC itself, as SLSO leaders played a pivotal role in influencing the creation of RAC in 1985.

“Members of the SLSO leadership helped advocate for RAC to be created so that Hotel/Motel Room Tax could be invested in our arts and culture sector,” said RAC President and CEO Vanessa Cooksey.

The SLSO does not receive tax-based funding from the Zoo-Museum District, making RAC’s support even more vital.

The SLSO’s mission of enriching lives through the power of music and fostering vibrant, connected communities aligns directly with RAC’s long-term vision. The partnership, Cooksey said, is inspired by “a commitment to ensuring a vibrant quality of life for the people of St. Louis, specifically influenced by the presence of and accessibility to music.”

The SLSO’s artistic excellence and national prestige also make it a powerful driver of cultural tourism.

“People travel from all over the country to experience the music of our symphony,” Cooksey noted. “Those visitors, in turn, support other arts and culture institutions across St. Louis.”

In 2022 alone, the local arts and culture sector generated nearly $868 million for the regional economy—with more than $100 million attributed to the SLSO’s contributions.

The SLSO is grateful for RAC’s enduring support, which this year included a special gift honoring RAC’s 40th anniversary and the reopening of Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. 

Compiled by Iain Shaw.