Jefferson City, Mo. (Sept. 1, 2022) — Cultural events across Missouri are taking center stage as part of the new Horizons initiative created by Missouri Humanities, Missouri Arts Council and Missouri Division of Tourism.

Horizons is designed to encourage in-state travelers and out-of-state visitors to experience culture, art and the humanities at Missouri events, festivals and institutions.

“Missouri is rich in history and culture,” said Ashley Beard-Fosnow, executive director of Missouri Humanities, “and we want people of all ages and interests to learn more about how people, the arts and different traditions helped shape our state. Horizons is designed to do that by encouraging people to find new experiences.”

As part of the pilot year of the program, nine organizations were selected to participate in Horizons and to receive $10,000 grants from Missouri Humanities to support cultural events that are open to the public and meet other selection criteria. Organizers are encouraged to promote their activities to audiences who live more than 50 miles from the event location.

Many of these programs feature artists who celebrate Missouri’s cultural traditions through song, artistic expression, history demonstrations and other interpretative means.

“Our goal is to generate more interest in Missouri as a hub for cultural activities and for our residents and visitors to have an increased appreciation for the arts,” said Michael Donovan, executive director of the Missouri Arts Council. “The events featured in Horizons are a source of local pride for the areas in which they’re held and our organizations want all Missourians, and visitors, to feel that sense of community.”

While most events supported through Horizons take place in 2023, the Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival, set for Sept. 24-25 in Carl Junction, is fast approaching.

Events on the Horizons calendar resume in 2023 with:

• Pony Express Museum Family Festival, Feb. 20, in St. Joseph
• Dogtown Irish Festival and Parade, March 17, in St. Louis
• Dogwood Azalea Festival, April 20-23, in Charleston
• Guadalupe Center Cinco De Mayo, May 6-7, in Kansas City
• Twain on Main, May 27, in Hannibal
• For the People Pow Wow, May 28-29, in Jefferson City
• Scott Joplin Festival, May 31-June 3, in Sedalia
• Old Time Music Ozark Heritage Festival, June 2-3, in West Plains

“While these events are the stars of the show, there’s much to explore in the host communities,” said Stephen Foutes, director of Missouri Division of Tourism. “Visitors will find great local dining, art and history museums, beautiful outdoor spaces, and perhaps a renewed appreciation for all Missouri has to offer.”

To learn more about Horizons, please visit MoHumanities.org and MissouriArtsCouncil.org. To find great places to explore in Missouri, check out VisitMo.com.

About Missouri Humanities - For more than 50 years, Missouri Humanities has been dedicated to helping Missourians explore the people, places, and ideas that shape our society. Our focus for the future remains the same; for a more thoughtful, informed, and civil society.

About Missouri Arts Council - The Missouri Arts Council, a division of the office of the Lieutenant Governor, is the state agency dedicated - as public leader, partner, and catalyst - to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage.

About Missouri Division of Tourism – The Missouri Division of Tourism showcases Missouri experiences through compelling storytelling to inspire travel, support healthy communities and strengthen our economy. The travel industry is vital to Missouri’s economy, generating more than $12.5 billion in tourism-related spending and supporting more than 255,000 jobs in FY21.

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