Governor Blunt Honored for His Leadership in Enriching the Lives of Missourians through Art

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 23, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


MIAMI  Gov. Matt Blunt today was awarded the 2008 National Award for State Arts Leadership at the 76th Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami, Florida for his commitment to ensuring a vibrant arts community in Missouri.

"I am pleased that the commitments we have made to art in Missouri are standing out among states across the nation. Our commitment to ensure that taxpayer dollars are distributed as they were originally intended has had a powerful, positive impact on the Arts in Missouri, which in turn has expanded access to and awareness of the countless cultural and enrichment opportunities throughout our great state," Gov. Blunt said.

This Leadership Award is given in recognition of elected officials whose role in advancement of the arts and arts education within their communities and whose vision and leadership provide heightened visibility to the value of the arts. Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt received the 2008 National Award for Gubernatorial Arts Leadership for his ambitious and committed support for the arts.

"Governor Blunt truly understands the power of the arts as an economic tool, a way to educate our young people, and a path to cultural understanding across all of Missouri," said Janette M. Lohman, President of Missouri Citizens for the Arts, the arts advocacy organization who nominated Governor Blunt for the Award. "We anticipate a great future for the arts in Missouri due in large part to the support and leadership of Governor Blunt."

"Governor Blunts support of the arts exemplifies how investment in the arts translates into community growth, prosperity and vitality," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "His leadership in the arts should be an inspiration to all public office figures."

"We are so pleased that Americans for the Arts is honoring Governor Blunt for his unwavering support for the arts and for making significant and lasting improvements to the arts landscape of our state," said Sharon Beshore, Missouri Arts Council Chair and Missouri Citizens for the Arts Board member. "The historic arts funding that the Governor has recommended will improve the quality of life for all Missourians."

Gov. Blunt and Mrs. Blunt are strong advocates for the arts in Missouri. After Gov. Blunt first took office in 2005, Missouri ranked 49th among the 56 states and U.S. territories (including the District of Columbia) for per capita spending on the arts. Under Gov. Blunts leadership, Missouri now ranks 14th among the 56 states and territories. This does not include the recent increase of an additional $3 million that was just passed by Missouris General Assembly, which will again significantly improve the states per capita ranking.

Gov. Blunts personal commitment to supporting and obtaining increased public funding for Missouris arts has resulted in increasing Missouris public funding for the arts from $500,000 in 2005 to $11.3 million in 2009, the largest amount ever appropriated to Missouris arts. Gov. Blunts support for funding of the arts is also ensuring that funds from the Non-Resident Athletes and Entertainers Tax are being spent on the purpose for which it was created.

Gov. Blunt also created the position of Missouri Poet Laureate to help promote the arts in Missouri and to encourage Missourians to learn more about the many cultural opportunities available in the state. The governor announced Walter Bargen as the states first ever Poet Laureate earlier this year.