The Missouri Arts Council's mission is to broaden the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri, and to foster the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. This state agency acts as a public leader, partner, and catalyst in these efforts, supporting quality arts programming statewide.
The Missouri Arts Council grants program aims to engage people in meaningful arts experiences, grow Missouri's economy using the arts, and strengthen Missouri education through the arts. These grants support a wide range of art projects that are open to the public, including performances (dance, music, opera, theater), arts festivals, visual exhibitions, literary journals, and film festivals or productions. Funds may be allocated for artist fees, marketing, travel expenses, and more. The council emphasizes accessibility and diversity in its funding, accepting applications on a rolling basis for Express Grants in various categories such as Arts Council Basic, Big Yellow School Bus, Arts Education, Organizations of Color, Project, and Touring (Community or School).