A Retrospective Look at Four Decades of Artistic Progress in St. Louis
Mark your calendars, art lovers! On August 28, 2025, the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC) will commemorate its 40th anniversary in spectacular fashion. Hosted at the iconic St. Louis Union Station Hotel, this unforgettable 40th Birthday Bash will pay tribute to four decades of creativity, collaboration, and cultural growth that have made St. Louis an artistic powerhouse on the national stage.
40 Years of Impact
Since its founding in 1985, the Regional Arts Commission has been at the heart of St. Louis’ thriving arts and cultural ecosystem. Established through a visionary act by the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen and St. Louis County Council, RAC was born out of the community’s belief in the power of the arts to transform lives and build stronger communities.
Over the past four decades, RAC has become the region’s largest public funder of the arts, investing more than $115 million through over 7,300 grants to support individual artists and organizations alike. Their funding has fueled everything from world-class institutions like the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and The Muny to grassroots initiatives that amplify the voices of diverse creators.
The result? A St. Louis community where 89% of residents feel the arts inspire pride—and a vibrant arts scene that continues to grow and evolve.
Honoring Creativity
The 40th anniversary celebration will showcase the arts as a vital force in the city’s culture and identity. Attendees will experience a celebration that bridges the past, present, and future of St. Louis’ creative spirit. Whether you’re a long-time patron of the arts or a newcomer inspired by the city’s creative energy, the bash promises to be a legendary tribute to the region’s artistic resilience and evolution.
The Arts as Economic Powerhouse
The impact of the arts in St. Louis extends far beyond gallery walls and stages—it’s a driving force in the local economy. As recently as 2022, St. Louis’ arts and culture sector generated a staggering $868 million, fostering tourism and making the city a must-visit destination for creativity seekers. The creative industry also supports 12,000 jobs, amplifying the importance of RAC’s efforts to ensure that artists and cultural workers thrive.
A Catalyst for Change
RAC’s work has not merely been about funding—it’s about leading cultural evolution and fostering change. Over the years, RAC has championed programs that uplift the community, responded to local and global challenges, and convened thought leaders to strengthen the sector. This milestone anniversary is a celebration of those efforts and a moment to look ahead at shaping the next 40 years of St. Louis’ creative legacy.
Join the Celebration
The RAC’s 40th Birthday Bash is not just about looking back—it’s an invitation for all to dream and create together for a brighter, more inclusive future. Whether you’ve been a lifelong arts supporter or are discovering RAC’s work for the first time, this event belongs to you.
Visit the RAC website to learn how you can be a part of this milestone celebration and continue supporting the arts that make St. Louis unforgettable. Together, we create—and the best is yet to come.
