Partnership Strength in 2026
Like many other nonprofits, we saw the loss of grant support in 2025. This meant that our proposal for creative placemaking in the Historic Gravois-Jefferson neighborhood was put on hold until funds will allow for the work to happen. Plans are in place, and the work is ready to happen. A bright spot in 2025 was receiving more than $248,000 in NAP credits from the state of Missouri for work in Dutchtown Common (previously known as VAL Park). We look forward to partnering with Missouri businesses in 2026 to secure funding for that project and give them tax credits in return. Businesses can receive 50% of their donation to the park renovation back in tax credits and submit the other 50% of their gifts on their federal taxes.
At the request of residents in neighborhoods on the north side, we’re working in partnership with neighborhood groups and other organizations to include arts and culture in every neighborhood plan presented to the city for approval. Currently, we are partnering with the Baden and North Pointe neighborhoods, as well as the Wells-Goodfellow and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods.
We accomplished several capacity-building projects in 2025, thanks to a grant assigning AmeriCorps VISTAs to our organization. We partnered with three VISTAs during the course of the year. Nia Duke and Ojasi Kirtikar developed our summer arts and environmental curriculum. In addition, Nia organized event ideas related to the upcoming 1927 flood commemoration, and Ojasi learned AutoCAD and used it to create a park design. Both Nia and Ojasi also served the greater St. Louis area in tornado recovery efforts. Jane Robinson created a plan for marketing, fundraising, and development that will hep to increase awareness of our organization and diversify our revenue support structure. As part of that marketing work, we partnered with volunteer designers and developers who created a new look for us and are now steadily working through our website. Watch for our new pages!
At the beginning of December, we held a virtual Lunch & Learn that drew wide attention. The presentation explained what we do and how we do it. We welcomed local artists and representatives of organizations across the region that day, and we’ve received a number of requests for further conversations regarding partnerships in the work of creative placemaking.
Why Partnership?
Creative placemaking is comprehensive work, and no one organization can do it alone. We welcome a multitude of partnerships as we move into 2026.
There’s a place for everyone—including you—to get involved.
Together we will partner for a re-imagined St. Louis.
Partner as a Volunteer
Are you looking for a place to make a difference for St. Louis? Do you want to put your skills to good use? The work is remote and fits a flexible volunteer schedule. We have volunteer job descriptions available for the following roles:
- Arts Chamber Membership Manager
- Newsletter Writer & Content Coordinator
- Blog Writer & Content Strategist
Email us at info@stlartschamber.org for more information.
Partner as an Artist
If you are an artist or arts organization, partner with us now by joining the advisory committee working with us on the new Arts Chamber of Commerce membership coming early in 2026. Your voice will make a difference.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn so you’ll see the announcement with the membership goes live! We have good things in the works!
Click here to sign up for the advisory committee.
Partner as a Supporter
We ask you to invest in the soul of a neighborhood, stepping in where others have walked away. Your support transforms communities, building stability and hope.
When neighbors are supported, amazing things happen. Consider the person we met at a neighborhood planning meeting who turned a history of insecurity into a powerful drive to create safe, stable homes. This deep-seated love for community is what drives true change.
Your partnership brings life, color, and opportunity back to forgotten streets.
Show your love for our communities and artists. A gift of $15, $35, or $100 helps us continue this vital work—ensuring every neighborhood is full of life, culture, and security in 2026.
Click here to help support the Arts Chamber today!
Thank you for your continued belief in the power of the arts and their essential role in renewing the vibrancy of our city.
With appreciation,
Sandy Brooks, Executive Director
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, who have supported our journey in creative placemaking and connecting with communities through the use of art.
