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Humanities Partners of the Year Award

Humanities Partners of the Year Award

On September 21, 2024, the Missouri Humanities Council will honor Stephen Foutes, Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, and Michael Donovan, Director of the Missouri Arts Council with the Humanities Partners of the Year award for their dedication towards promoting cultural tourism, history, and arts appreciation across Missouri.

Each year Missouri Humanities celebrates the humanities at the MOmentum Gala. The 9th annual event will be held at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium at 5100 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, at 6 PM. The celebration is held to recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the understanding of Missouri, its people, and its culture.

The Horizons initiative is a strategic partnership between Missouri Humanities, Missouri Arts Council, and Missouri Division of Tourism designed to encourage in-state travelers and out-of-state visitors to experience culture, art, and the humanities at Missouri events and festivals. Many of these programs feature artists who celebrate Missouri’s cultural traditions through song, artistic expression, history demonstrations, and other interpretive means.

“The Missouri Division of Tourism and our agency-of-record partners at OBP are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Missouri Humanities and Missouri Arts Council on the Horizons program,” Foutes said. “Through this collaborative effort, Horizons messaging has reached thousands of people and helped drive attendance at culturally significant events across Missouri. A few years ago, Ashley approached us with a vision for how this project could work, and the results have exceeded expectations, said Foutes, “I am thrilled to accept the Humanities Partner of the Year award on behalf of our team and look forward to continued success.”

“Director Foutes and Director Donovan are exceptional leaders who recognize the importance of participation in culture and history activities in the lives of Missourians. As partners on the Horizons initiative, they worked with Missouri Humanities to expose hundreds of thousands of Missourians to art and the humanities experiences at festivals across the state, elevating cultural heritage tourism within our state. The Missouri Humanities Board of Directors and staff commend Director Foutes and Director Donovan for their lasting contributions to enrich lives and strengthen communities,” said Ashley Beard- Fosnow, Missouri Humanities’ executive director. “We are indebted to them, as through their work, they have contributed to the larger goal of fostering community pride around an increased appreciation for culture.”

While reflecting on the partnership, Director Michael Donovan said, “My first job in the arts was at the Arts and Humanities Council of Greater Baton Rouge over 40 years ago. I learned from the beginning that the arts and humanities are inextricably connected, the rhythm and rhyme of our cultural ecosystem. Then, my focus was local community arts. But that focus and vision grew when I started at the Missouri Arts Council 20 years ago.. The impact of our culture on society, health, education, civic discourse, and quality of life for all, depends on our appreciation and support of the arts and humanities.”

Upcoming Festivals on the 2024 Horizons Calendar:

  • Joplin Arts Fest, September 20-21 in Joplin
  • Bethel Colony Fall Market, September 27-29 in Historic Bethel German Colony
  • Old Tyme Apple Festival, October 5-6 in Versailles

Past Participants Included:

  • French Heritage Festival in Ste. Genevieve
  • Sliced Bread Day in Chillicothe
  • Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival
  • Pony Express Museum Family Festival in St. Joseph
  • Dogtown Irish Festival and Parade in St. Louis
  • Dogwood Azalea Festival in Charleston
  • Cinco De Mayo Festival in Kansas City
  • Twain on Main in Hannibal
  • For the People Pow Wow in Jefferson City
  • Scott Joplin Festival in Sedalia
  • Old Time Music Ozark Heritage Festival in West Plains

Short films highlighting the festivals are available for digital audiences on our Horizons YouTube Playlist.

About Missouri Humanities

The Missouri Humanities Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1971 as an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. We offer grants and public programs to promote the humanities, which include history, languages, literature, law, religion, philosophy, and culture. We envision a more thoughtful, informed, and civil society. More information can be found at www.mohumanities.org.