Photo courtesy of Dusty Kessler

ARTS & SCIENCES

Contemporary Art Museum 

A Bellwether Grant supported CAM’s ArtReach program, which offers weekly, year-round, artist-led visual arts and design instruction at partnering Vashon and Sumner High Schools. The program culminated in a student exhibition at CAM focused on North St. Louis history. Building on a partnership that began in 2017 at Vashon, ArtReach expanded to Sumner in 2021 as part of a multi-organization arts revitalization effort to boost student enrollment and engagement.

CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

In connection with the renovation and expansion of Powell Hall, a Bellwether Grant supported the new Education and Learning Center (ELC). The ELC will be a dedicated rehearsal space for the Symphony Chorus, IN UNISON Chorus and the Youth Orchestra, in addition to providing additional space for SLSO’s education and community programs and for reading of new works and orchestra sectionals. Learn more about the renovation of Powell Hall and how this project positively impacts Grand Center, midtown St. Louis, and the St. Louis metropolitan area.

EDUCATION

Loyola Academy

In 2023, a Bellwether Grant supported a program to expand Loyola Academy and welcome students in the 4th and 5th grades. According to Loyola, expansion will create longer-lasting scholarship at Loyola. Loyola attributes their scholars’ success to deeply-rooted, positive faculty and staff support of their students and embracing the entire family’s well-being throughout the student’s education journey. Learn more about the work Loyola is doing in our community by visiting their website.

ENVIRONMENT

Forest ReLeaf of Missouri

In 2022, the CommuniTree program distributed 7,979 trees in St. Louis. New trees supported a range of projects from beautifying a school to stabilizing a creek bank. According to Forest ReLeaf, whether student or civic organization member, the experience of planting a tree creates a positive and lasting impact. Also, growing a resilient tree canopy supports the health of people and healthy habitats. Learn more about the work Forest ReLeaf of Missouri is doing in our community by visiting their website.