Since you live in MO, near KC, here is an interesting link- its a list of what the NEA actually paid for in your area last year.
http://kcur.org/post/heres-what-nati...souri#stream/0
string quartets, playwrights, musical instruments for handicapped people, ballet, a Degas show, arts workshops for homeless kids.
And, snuggled in the fine print, out of the 3 million or so dollars, a big ten grand for one public art project. In Shannon County.