The Luminary Receives Recognition from St. Louis Board of Aldermen for 10 Years of Service

The Luminary Receives Prestigious Recognition from St. Louis Board of Aldermen for 10 Years of Service

5.31.2024

Alderwoman Cara Spencer of the 8th ward, The Luminary’s Artistic and Executive Director Kalaija Mallery, and Alderman Rasheen Aldridge Jr. of the 14th ward. St. Louis City Hall. May 31, 2024. Photo courtesy of Isaiah Pasek-Santiago.

The Luminary, a tenured platform of innovative artistic practice and community engagement in South St. Louis City, was honored today by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. This recognition marks a decade of The Luminary’s dedicated service to fostering contemporary art and culture in the region.

The resolution, presented today at St. Louis City Hall, acknowledged The Luminary’s significant contributions to the local community and the broader artistic landscape. The Board of Aldermen highlighted The Luminary’s unwavering commitment to providing a platform for emerging and mid-career artists and small businesses, its role in South St. Louis City and Benton Park West, and its numerous initiatives that have supported and enriched the local arts and business district.

Highlights of the Board of Aldermen Resolution:

Historic Beginnings: On May 17, 2014, The Luminary opened its doors on Cherokee Street after two years of work, over 2000 hours of volunteer labor, and a successful crowdfunding campaign that enabled the organization to purchase and renovate its current building.

Community Impact: The Luminary has successfully served as a gallery and resource center for emerging and mid-career artists, providing a robust, world-renowned, and critically acclaimed art space that is accessible to all.

Cultural Confluence: By merging unique practices and perspectives, The Luminary has exposed St. Louis to the rest of the world, hosting 56 major exhibitions, with 32 studio members from the community, 134 artist residents, and hundreds of events.

Neighborhood Integration: Situated in the converging communities of Cherokee Street, Gravois Park, and Benton Park West, The Luminary provides a space for creatives to take risks and start new practices. It stands as one of the few free spaces on the street with regular open hours, offering neighbors, friends, and the community-at-large the opportunity to experience something new.