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Afar: St. Louis is a Best Place to Travel
In 2026, Afar suggests you go to St. Louis. The travel magazine this week highlights select locations all over the world “that are on the rise and off the beaten path,” including St. Louis as a not-to-be-missed artistic hub of the Midwest.
From the $380 million CityArchRiver transformation in Downtown to Grand Center Arts District’s glittering venues and stages, the jewels of St. Louis’ arts and culture scene are on full display in this national profile.
The Bottom Line: As Vanessa Cooksey, CEO of the Regional Arts Commission, reminds us in this week’s STLMade story, the arts in St. Louis generate nearly $1 billion in economic impact each year. From venerable institutions to up-and-coming initiatives, the arts here are world-class — and we should be talking about them far and wide with pride.
“We have over 660 arts and culture nonprofit organizations in this region,” said Cooksey, “and these artists and arts organizations aren’t just what makes St. Louis cool, but they make St. Louis livable.”
For four decades, the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis has invested more than $115 million to shape and support the region’s vibrant arts community.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center is focused on growing startups, and in 2026, it will cultivate nine within its Anchor Accelerator Cohort. By design, the program, which gives $10,000 and educational programming to founders, differentiates itself from other accelerators in the region. (St. Louis Magazine)
Related: Harris-Stowe University holds graduation ceremony for ‘Funding for Founders Incubator’ (First Alert 4)
AMIC Advances with Paric Appointment
The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center–St. Louis has named Paric Corp. general contractor for the $35 million manufacturing facility planned for North St. Louis. “This facility represents a major investment in research, talent, and collaboration,” said Dennis Muilenburg, AMICSTL board chairman. “It will create opportunities that drive innovation, economic growth, and life-changing careers.” (St. Louis Business Journal)
AMIC National Benchmarking Study RFP: Proposals Due Jan. 16, 2026. Learn more.
Nine PBS Tackles the Child Care Gap
A new storytelling initiative from St. Louis’ Nine PBS explores the national childcare shortage and how it impacts regional families and the local economy. In four parts, “Bridging the Child Care Gap” convenes early learning educators, parents, and caregivers to capture an in-depth, solutions-focused exploration of the issues. (Nine PBS)
Save the Date: Celebrate St. Louis on 314 Day
March 14th feels far away, but planning is already under way for a week-long, metro-wide lineup of events to celebrate the community and culture that make the region so special and so St. Louis – all under the umbrella of STL’s original area code, 314. Festivities will start Sunday 3/8 and extend through Saturday 3/14.How will you contribute this year? Save the date for 2026. See last year’s highlights.
This Week's Headlines
The Muny in St. Louis will spend $9.5 million for new seats and flooding defenses (St. Louis Public Radio)
Louis County Port Authority approves nearly $5M in grants for nonprofits (St. Louis Public Radio)
Bridge Bread will open a bakery in the Loop, with new opportunities for workers (St. Louis Magazine)
