SIKESTON DEPOT FUND RAISING PAYS OFF WITH GRANT FROM CULTURAL TRUST

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston Depot Art Gallery and Museum, which opened in March in the city's renovated train depot, has taken a big step toward securing its financial future.

The Sikeston Cultural Development Corporation was approved for the Missouri Cultural Trust Capital Incentive Fast Track Program in January and by June had raised $150,000, most of which becomes an endowment. Interest on the endowment and interest on a matching $75,000 set aside in perpetuity by the Missouri Cultural Trust will be used to pay the operating expenses for the Sikeston Depot Art Gallery and Museum.

One hundred thousand dollars of the money the SCDC raised has been invested in certificates of deposit with the five Sikeston banks. The other $50,000 can be used as operating capital.

"This was a golden opportunity for us to insure the legacy of the Sikeston Depot by having an endowment," said Jim Schwaninger, treasurer of the SCDC and executive director of the Sikeston Chamber of Commerce.

"We will be able to grow the exhibits we are able to offer and continue to offer free admission."

About 130 individuals and businesses contributed to the endowment campaign.

A coalition of Sikeston arts, historical, business and tourism organizations, the SCDC acquired the depot from the Union Pacific Railroad and renovated the century-old building. About 2,500 people came through the doors in the first three months and another 2,500 during June and July, says Judy Bowmen, one of two members of the board in charge of acquisitions.

"We're really pleased," she said. "We've had people from as far as California, New York and Louisiana. It's amazing how many people stop on the interstate."

If the depot receives the National Register of Historic Places designation expected soon, a sign on the highway will direct travelers to the museum and gallery.

Current exhibits are by Missouri watercolorist Robert Graham and a display of antique golf board games, card games, toys and puzzles.

Upcoming in the fall are a photography contest and an exhibition by Columbia sculptress Sabra Tull Meyer.

A Smithsonian exhibition is scheduled to open in June 2001.

The museum has permanent exhibits on the unique history of Sikeston and the Bootheel.

The Missouri Cultural Trust is an innovative grant program created to help arts organizations sustain themselves. Funded by 60 percent of the tax collected on out-of-state sports teams and entertainers, the trust uses its interest to provide local arts organizations with organizational and developmental grants.

The SCDC has been approved to raise another $50,000 through the Capital Incentive Program in 2001. If the organization raises the money, the Missouri Arts Council will set aside $25,000 in Missouri Cultural Trust funds, with the interest going to the SCDC in perpetuity.