Mid-Missouri Business Week: Office of Cultural Affairs works to keep the arts thriving

Just in 2015, the nonprofit arts and culture industry supported 659 jobs in Columbia, according to the Arts and Economic Prosperity Study.

Columbia’s Office of Cultural Affairs is working to keep that industry thriving by focusing on accessibility and sustainability of the arts.

Elise Buchheit, a program specialist in the office, said that along with supporting funds, the office also hosts events. This summer, the Office of Cultural Affairs is partnering with the Department of Parks and Recreation to hold two events: Strike Up the Band will feature the Missouri Symphony Society at Stephen’s Lake Park on June 7, and the Creative Kids Family Fun Fest will be held at Cosmo Park on Sept. 18.

“Our goal is to make Columbia a place where artists and cultural organizations can thrive,” Buchheit said. The organization also hopes to make Columbia a place where people want to stay and get involved.

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