Missouri Classical Music News and Notes

Missouri Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is pleased to announce Mrs. Melanie Blunt, First Lady of the State of Missouri, as the 2007-2008 Honorary Chair of MCA, the state's only non-profit arts advocacy organization.

"The arts have an important and immeasurable impact on our culture and families," Mrs. Blunt said. "I believe the arts, in all media, enrich our lives and our perspective. I am honored to represent the Missouri Citizens for the Arts and pleased to join their efforts dedicated to public support of preserving and strengthening the state's arts industry."

Mrs. Blunt was chosen as an ambassador for the arts because of her love and support for the arts. Governor Matt Blunt and Mrs. Blunt's work to restore public funding for the arts in Missouri is essential. Their leadership and support has resulted in a $7.2 million increase in public funding for the arts over the past two years.

The Board of Directors of Missouri Citizens for the Arts and its citizen members throughout the state are honored to have the First Lady associated with the arts in Missouri. Missouri Citizens for the Arts looks forward to Mrs. Blunt's active participation in the organization.

According to Janette M. Lohman, President of the Board of Directors, "Mrs. Blunt's Chairmanship of our arts advocacy organization brings a deserving magnitude of attention to MCA and the important work we do to create a better quality of life for Missourians by fighting for public funding for the arts. MCA helps to distinguish Missouri's culture by uniting the hands of the citizens with government, business, and the art community to further the support and growth of arts and art education in our state. We are proud to have the First Lady associated with this important issue."

Founded in 1980, Missouri Citizens for the Arts is the statewide organization that promotes the whole of Missouri's art industry to the public and private sectors. This non-partisan, grassroots organization's work supports the arts by addressing public issues affecting the whole industry. By uniting members of the industry on issues of mutual concern and representing these concerns to elected officials and public agencies whose actions affect the industry, Missouri Citizens for the Arts seeks to secure a stable and growing base of public financial support for the arts and to ensure access to the arts for all Missourians.