Springfield Art Museum picked for nearly $3M grant

The Springfield Art Museum was the top local recipient in a $30 million state funding round of coronavirus relief dollars.

The art museum, 1111 E. Brookside Drive, is set to receive $2.75 million as part of American Rescue Plan Act tourism funding through the Missouri Department of Economic Development, according to a news release.

The funding goes toward the art museum's $25 million capital campaign. Nearly $16 million has been raised to date for the project that includes exterior improvements, and new educational, public and community spaces.

“We’re so excited and appreciative of the Missouri Department of Economic Development and Gov. [Mike] Parson for this crucial funding, but also for recognizing the importance of the Springfield Art Museum’s renovations and expansion for our local tourism economy,” Springfield Art Museum Director Nick Nelson said in the release. "The museum welcomes thousands of visitors from across the region and across the country, adding much value to our local economy. These visitors have a significant impact as cultural tourists – who studies show stay longer and spend more per visit than other travelers – spend on average 60% more than other travelers."

Through the state's ARPA funding allocation round, the city of Branson was chosen for a $1.6 million grant for field improvements, and the city of Ozark was picked for $1.2 million toward trail expansion, according to a separate news release from the DED.