NOTE: Registration is a two step process.
1) Registration with participant information, and
2) Payment of fees. You can pay by check or online.

Geared for students middle school and up, this project trains the next generation of arts advocates. The SHOW-ME Arts program (SMarts) provides information, training and role-playing activities for students - who then apply those skills by meeting with their legislators. and participants arranged their own meetings with their legislator to coincide with the other Fine Arts celebrations at the capitol.

Show-Me Arts students often:

• write letters, cards and notes

• meet with department of education (DESE) officials and journalists

• prepare statements, deliver testimony at legislative hearings

• personally advocate for the arts at the Missouri State Capitol

• gain a unique perspective of state government and grow as arts advocates and citizens

• share the products of their arts education through exhibits or performances

PANDEMIC CHANGES 

With social distancing guidelines in place as we approached the planning process in the summer/autumn of 2020, the 2021 SMart Summit went virtual. Shared overnight accommodations and shared restroom space, as well as buffet-style food service and other considerations of the "way we have always done it" simply did not allow for utilization of social distancing protocols. Student safety is of greatest importance, so changes are in the planning stages.

With ever shifting circumstances we acknowledge that the best laid plans may change. Current plans include a statewide call for teachers/sponsors and students to gather in-person with a companion 75-minute training session and a culminating webinar for both in-person and virtual participants on March 22, 2021. 

Students can also work to schedule video-conferences with legislators in lieu of "in-person" visits. 

Stay tuned as our plans continue to evolve.