City of Columbia, MO
05/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/12/2026 09:00
City of Columbia to host kickoff reception for first Artist Laureate
P.O. Box 6015
Columbia, MO 65205
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2026
CONTACT: Kristin Gadsden
Program Specialist
Office of Cultural Affairs
City of Columbia
[email protected]create new email
573.874.6387
City of Columbia to host kickoff reception for first Artist Laureate
(COLUMBIA, MO) - The City of Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs is hosting an Artist Laureate Kickoff Reception from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at the Boone County History & Culture Center's Montminy Gallery, 3801 Ponderosa St. Remarks will begin at 5:45 p.m.
The community is invited to meet the 2026 Artist Laureate Audra Sergel and learn more about her community project "When a City Sings: Columbia in Concert," a year-long choral and storytelling initiative that enables the community to help shape an original musical work inspired by the voices of our city.
The reception will include a short, interactive teaser workshop where guests can experience how stories and shared reflections begin to take shape as sound - no musical experience required. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn more about upcoming workshops and events, sign up to participate throughout the year and explore ways to be involved in the project.
Learn more about the Artist Laureate Program and stay updated on the event schedule on the Office of Cultural Affairs' webpage at CoMo.gov/cultural-affairs/artist-laureate-program.
The community is invited to meet the 2026 Artist Laureate Audra Sergel and learn more about her community project "When a City Sings: Columbia in Concert," a year-long choral and storytelling initiative that enables the community to help shape an original musical work inspired by the voices of our city.
The reception will include a short, interactive teaser workshop where guests can experience how stories and shared reflections begin to take shape as sound - no musical experience required. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn more about upcoming workshops and events, sign up to participate throughout the year and explore ways to be involved in the project.
Learn more about the Artist Laureate Program and stay updated on the event schedule on the Office of Cultural Affairs' webpage at CoMo.gov/cultural-affairs/artist-laureate-program.
City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.
City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.
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