This new chapter will allow CAT to become more than an annual training program. CAT will be an actual institute, organized for advanced instruction, education, and research. As an independent organization, CAT will expand its programmatic and physical boundaries. It will also build a distinct identity that reflects the growing recognition that sustained progress in community power-building practices requires an independent infrastructure rooted in grassroots engagement and civic advocacy.By forming its own governance, funding strategies, and community accountability mechanisms, the CAT Institute will be equipped to respond more nimbly to community needs, pursue bolder partnerships, and advocate without institutional constraints.

Importantly, the transition aligns well with RAC’s Strategic Roadmap 2026-2030 , which prioritizes grant-making and amplifying the crucial role of the arts in making St. Louis an outstanding place to live, play, and visit.

For many years, CAT cohorts, alumni, program directors, faculty, lab team liaisons, and other stakeholders have been discussing how the Community Arts Training Institute could grow. In 2025, a group of stakeholders started meeting informally to “think big” about CAT’s future. Soon known as the Task Force, the members are: Pacia Elaine Anderson, 2014 fellow, program director, 2021-present; Kathryn Bentley, 2002 fellow, lead faculty, T.I.G.E.R; Shelly Goebl-Parker, 2000 fellow, lead faculty, T.I.G.E.R; Sue Greenberg, adjunct faculty, 1997-2024; Ann Haubrich, co-founder and CAT program director, 1997-2003; Jenny Murphy, 2011 fellow, lead faculty; Kaveh Razani, 2007 fellow, lead faculty, T.I.G.E.R alum; Stefani Weeden-Smith, 2010 fellow, lead faculty; and Roseann Weiss, CAT program director, 2003-2018.

The Task Force envisioned an actual institute organized for advanced instruction, education, and research. It also envisioned a larger footprint — the bi-state St. Louis region, including St. Charles and East St. Louis, areas not funded by RAC. And by forming its own governance, funding strategies, and community accountability mechanisms, CAT will be able to respond more nimbly to community needs, pursue bolder partnerships, and advocate without institutional constraints.

In late 2025, the Task Force submitted a formal proposal to RAC’s President & CEO Vanessa Cooksey, and the RAC Commissioners approved the plan on November 20, 2025

The new chapter is being led by the founding Board of Directors (Shelly Goebl-Parker, president; Kathryn Bentley, vice-president; Roseann Weiss, secretary; and Sue Greenberg, treasurer) along with the other Task Force and two part-time employees: Co-Director of Organizational Development Jenny Murphy and Co-Director of Programs + Community Building Pacia Elaine Anderson. Plans call for the Board to be expanded through an open nomination process.

CAT will be funded by a substantial multi-year start-up grant from the Regional Arts Commission. Like other nonprofit tax-exempt organizations, CAT will be applying for project and operating grants, soliciting contributions from individual donors, and generating earned income.

During its first year, the CAT Institute will prioritize planning, capacity building, and alumni engagement. Our signature annual intensive training program for community-rooted artists of all disciplines and for multiple community sectors such as social workers, educators, community organizers, and civic leaders committed to collaborative social change through the arts — may or may not be offered in 2026.

Yes, we will be renting office space and securing meeting space,  however, at this time, we do not have any locations confirmed.

Soon. There will be opportunities to apply for paid, contracted work. RFPs and RFQs will be shared with alumni.

Yes! While participation in CAT has never been a determining factor in RAC’s grantmaking, we will continue to encourage alums to apply for RAC support.

Over 2026, we’ll be in touch with alumni, faculty, and other stakeholders about more specific ways to get involved. In the meantime, we encourage you to spread the news about the newly formed CAT Institute with other CATs that you know.
For now, we welcome your input and involvement. Please complete our online form or contact us by email.