Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival Receives Grant via Horizons Initiative by State of Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – 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.”

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 13-16, in Charleston
• Cinco De Mayo, May 5-6, in Kansas City
• Twain on Main, May 27, in Hannibal
• For the People Pow Wow, May 27-28, in Jefferson City
• Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, May 31-June 3, in Sedalia
• Old Time Music Ozark Heritage Festival, June 2-3, in West Plains
   Bluegrass Festival, set for Sept. 23-24 in Carl Junction,

     “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.

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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.