FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 9, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

First Lady Named Honorary Chair of Missouri Citizens for the Arts

JEFFERSON CITY –First Lady Melanie Blunt today accepted her new role as 2007-2008 Honorary Chair of the Missouri Citizens for the Arts.  As honorary chair she will act as ambassador for the 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 the honorary chair for the arts because of her love and support for the arts.  Gov. and Mrs. Blunt’s support for public funding of the arts in Missouri has led to a $7.2 million increase in public funding for the arts over the past two years.

Founded in 1980, Missouri Citizens for the Arts is the statewide organization that promotes Missouri’s art industry to the public and private sectors. The non-partisan, grassroots organization supports the arts by addressing public issues affecting the whole 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.

For information about the Missouri Citizens for the Arts visit http://www.missouricitizensforthearts.org/.

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