P.O. Box 6015
300 S. Providence
Columbia, MO 65205
573.874.6386
OCA@GoColumbiaMo.com

Office of Cultural Affairs

MISSION
The Office of Cultural Affairs creates an environment where artists and cultural organizations thrive by advancing and supporting the arts for the benefit of the citizens of Columbia.

Arts Events

The online calendar provides a monthly listing of cultural events and activities.

Subscribe to ART NEWS, a weekly e-mail from the Office of Cultural Affairs with information on upcoming arts events, classes, and cultural activities.

Arts Express is a free bi-monthly newsletter of cultural events and opportunities to experience visual, performing and literary art. A special section highlights offerings just for kids. Click here to read the most recent issue of Arts Express, let us know you want one mailed to you by sending us an e-mail.

Public Art Tour

Use our handy Public Art Guide to learn more about Columbia’s collection. No special outing must be planned to enjoy this museum -- it is open every day, has endless hours and charges no admission fee. Included in the guide are the City of Columbia's Percent for Art projects.

Artist Opportunities

There are numerous opportunities for artists to apply for Columbia's public art projects. Please check back with us throughout the year to see how your work can be a part of Columbia's public art portfolio.

Funding Opportunities

The city supports local arts agencies through annual and quarterly funding, with awards made in a competitive review processes. About a fourth of the Office of Cultural Affairs' annual budget is allocated to art education and presentation programs.

Programs and Services

Curious about all the things the Office of Cultural Affairs does to reach our mission? See our comprehensive list of programs and services.

Gallery + Museum Guide

Expect to see an array of art at the galleries and museums listed in this guide for Columbia. View it online or get a free copy at the Convention and Visitors Bureau, in City Hall, at our office at 300 S. Providence Road or contact us for a copy to be mailed to you.

Contact Information

City of Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs
P.O. Box 6015
300 S. Providence Rd.
Columbia, MO 65205
Phone: 573.874.6386
Fax: 573.874.7681
OCA@GoColumbiaMo.com

Keys to the City: Inspiration Award Winner

The Columbia Image Awards recognize businesses and institutional leaders whose vision, imagination and dedication have resulted in places and spaces that create positive and lasting impressions of our city. The Inspiration Award was presented to the City of Columbia for Keys to the City in 2011. This large-scale sculpture commemorates Columbia's history and serves as a main portal to city hall. Its design and placement are essential to the artist's intended metaphor, that an active and involved citizenry is the key to a prospering community. Over 225 collective hours were spent by volunteers bringing this project to fruition.