Springfield Regional Arts Council selected for statewide award

The Springfield Regional Arts Council is one of a handful of organizations and individuals chosen to be honored at a statewide award ceremony.

The Missouri Arts Council, a division of the state's office of the lieutenant governor, announced in a news release that SRAC was chosen to receive the Arts Education award at the Missouri Arts Awards in February at the Missouri State Capitol.

“Each of the recipients exemplify the best of Missouri, showcasing the profound impact the arts have on the cultural, educational and economic vitality of our state,” Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe said in the release. “Their dedication and creativity remind us of the importance of supporting the arts in every corner of our state.”

The release notes SRAC offers arts education to 27 southwest Missouri counties, and through its Growing Up in the Arts year-round program, the organization provides at-risk students in grades K-8 with arts experiences. SRAC also sponsors the annual Springfield Regional Arts Integration Conference for education professionals.

"This recognition celebrates the hard work and dedication of our amazing team of teaching artists, the organizations we collaborate with, and our invaluable community partners," said Sarah Abele, SRAC’s director of programming, in a separate news release. "The importance of arts education in early childhood and beyond cannot be understated – it fosters creativity, builds resilience and enriches our entire community."

Other Missouri Arts Awards recipients in 2025 are The Saint Louis Art Fair; the city of Mexico; artist Karen E. Griffin of Kansas City; Sue Greenberg, executive director of Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts; and philanthropists Alex and Robin LaBrunerie of Columbia.