Join us in Jefferson City April 6-11, 2026
Seeking Program Assistants and Volunteers
email advocacy@moaae.org
MONDAY - April 6 - Contact your Legislators Day!
Share good news underscoring the benefits of student involvement in arts education.
TUESDAY - April 7 - Capitol Concert
Celebrating the work of arts educators who work in private studios with student piano performances in the Capitol rotunda - noon to 1pm. learn more
WEDNESDAY - April 8 - Show Me Arts Summit
Student Civics Learning experiences engaging student voices in support of arts education in Missouri. Learn more.
THURSDAY - April 9 - Fine Arts Education Day
Celebrating the value of arts education and student artists through exhibitions, performances, demonstrations and awards. Learn more.
FRIDAY - April 10 - Dulcimer Workshop for Missouri School Teachers
Hands-on workshop helping music educators to incorporate dulcimer into their instructional practice.10:30-3pm. Learn more - register
FRIDAY - April 10 - Celebration Summit
Join us for an evening of celebration in support of the work of MAAE. Learn more. - register.
SATURDAY - April 11 - Dulcimer Day at the Capitol
Free Public Dulcimer Stage Concerts, United Jam Session and opportunities for networking. 9am-2:30pm. Learn more. - register
Governor Mike Kehoe has proposed reducing the council's budget from $10.1 million to roughly $6.4–$6.9 million. These proposed cuts are currently in the legislative process, with arts advocates actively lobbying against them as of early February 2026.
Key details:
Proposed Reduction: The budget proposal aims to cut arts funding by over 36% to 40% for the upcoming fiscal year.
Impact: If finalized, these cuts would significantly reduce grants to local arts organizations and communities across Missouri.
Process: The proposed cuts are part of the FY2027 budget planning (which begins July 1, 2026), following a 25% reduction in the previous year.
Advocacy: Organizations like MAAE and Missouri Citizens for the Arts are advocating for the restoration of these funds.
Adopt-A-Legislator Program
Sign up to help us educate elected officials about the importance of the arts in Missouri! Please "adopt-a-legislator" by signing up to be in touch with a state representative or senator throughout the year and after action alerts.
Courtesy of Missouri Citizens of the Arts
Congress Protects Federal Arts Funding
From Americans for the Arts
We have news: The Senate recently passed the minibus bill protecting $207 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
This funding held strong even with another zero-out request in the President’s budget. In a political climate where proposals to eliminate the NEA entirely were on the table, overwhelming bipartisan support sends a clear message: the arts are essential, not optional.
This Victory is Yours: 18,000 messages. Strategic fly-ins. Calls, emails, and Capitol Hill meetings throughout the appropriations process. Your voices made the difference. You can see how other arts and culture programs were funded in the Interior appropriations package.
What’s Next: This funding matters, but our work continues. The State of the Union is scheduled for February 26th, which means the President’s FY 2027 budget will be released shortly after. We’re already engaging with Members of Congress on next year’s appropriations—and we’ll need your voices again. Stay connected with AFTA for timely updates on how to stay involved in the FY27 cycle.
Arts Integration and Enhancement Planning
Presented by Jessica Wagner
April 13, 2026
5:30pm | live via zoom
We will dive into the difference between arts integration and arts enhancement and the benefits of utilizing both when planning for embedding art’s practices into your classroom.
Check out the Arts Education Data Project interactive data dashboard which shares enrollment data for Missouri students involved in K-12 fine arts classes.
Questions or concerns contact: fineartsdata@dese.mo.gov.
Regional Arts Education Collaborative in St. Louis
Seating is limited to 50. Register today!
R.S.V.P. for this St. Louis event by 6/5/26.
Join Here and encourage others to join. FREE! Help us connect with Missouri's Dance Education Community.
News Update:
Bi-annual meeting held - October 15, 2025. Minutes
MO Society for Health and Physical Education (MOSHAPE) conference presentation with Dr. Cynthia Williams Phelps, David Shafer, and Merle Hall in cooperation with MO Federation of Square and Round Dance.
Fauman Scholarship Update.
NEXT MEETING - July 28, 2026 11:00 am-noon via zoom. dance@moaae.org
Arts Educators:
SEEKING SHORT (0:30-1:00) VIDEOS
Help us show others that the arts education happens as students engage in a creative process. Send via email to info@moaae.org.
inspiration video #1 - Shook Elem. Marshfield
inspiration video #2 - Webb City Jr. High
Endorse MAAE's statement of artistic freedom as an individual or as an organization. Learn more.
Want MAAE to share information in the monthly newsletter? Send your submissions by the 20th of the month to communication@moaae.org. We typically publish on the 1st.