SPRINGFIELD, MO.- At the Monday, July 25 City Council meeting, members voted to award the Springfield Art Museum $3 million from the City of Springfield’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The Museum’s Master Plan is one of 16 projects to receive an allocation from the City’s pool of more than $40 million in ARPA funds. City Council ARPA Review Committee Chairman Matthew Simpson noted the importance of funding projects with “long term transformative impact” on the community.

“The Museum is thrilled to receive this significant public investment toward its capital improvement project,” said Museum Director Nick Nelson. “Coupled with the lead $5 million gift from The Sunderland Foundation, and substantial completion of critical grounds work to mitigate flood risk, the Museum is well on its way to meeting its fundraising goal and beginning construction and transformation of the education, lobby, administrative, and exhibition spaces.”

Since kicking off the 2028 Campaign in October of 2021, the Museum has raised over $12 million toward its $25 million fundraising goal.

The Museum was recently awarded $2 million in tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board to spur an additional $4 million private investment in the project. Individuals, corporations, and some qualifying foundations contributing to the Museum’s 2028 Campaign may qualify to reduce their Missouri State tax burden through this program.

“We invite the community to learn more about the 2028 Campaign, the tax credits available, and make a charitable gift to help us reach our campaign goal,” continued Nelson.

In late 2022, the Fassnight Creek Greenway trail connection from the Museum’s grounds, through Phelps Grove Park, to Fassnight Park is scheduled for completion. This expansion is fully funded through federal Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grants with a 20% match through the City of Springfield 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax. With receipt of ARPA funding, Nelson indicated that construction on the facility portion of the Museum Master Plan is slated to begin in mid- to late 2024 to meet the federal requirements and deadlines.