The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education has sponsored a Fine Arts Education Day at the Missouri State Capitol since 2004. Fine Arts Education Day is usually held during March which is nationally recognized as Arts Advocacy Month, Music in Our Schools Month, Theatre in Our Schools Month and Youth Art Month for visual arts. In 2012, FAED will be March 20.  The purpose of Fine Arts Education Day is to highlight the importance of fine arts education in Missouri schools.

During FAED, the Missouri State Capitol building is alive with vocal and instrumental ensemble performances, dance groups and theatrical presentations. Performance venues include the First Floor Capitol Rotunda and the South Steps of the Capitol building. Artwork is displayed in the Third Floor Rotunda.

More than 800 student performers, artists, and arts advocates, as well as teachers, parents and community members attend FAED each year. There is no fee to participate in the day’s agenda which includes the performances and visits to legislators’ offices. Students often bring artwork, photographs, playbills, DVDs and CDs to present to their legislators during the visits.

Students and teachers have found FAED is more than a performance opportunity; it provides a lesson in state government and Missouri history as well. Legislative assistants often arrange Capitol Tours and visits to the House and Senate Floor for the students. The George Caleb Bingham murals are a highlight for all visitors to the Capitol. Some school groups also tour the Governor’s Mansion and the Lewis and Clark Monument at the Katy Trailhead Plaza while they are attending FAED.

The MAAE appreciates the financial support provided by the Francis Family Foundation and the 15 MAAE member organizations for Fine Arts Education Day.