CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Arts Council has awarded a rural Missouri city for its efforts to develop a community committed to creativity.

Carol Gregg, who has been a steadfast advocate for the arts in Chillicothe, traveled to Jefferson City last week to receive the award, dubbed the 2016 Missouri Arts Creative Community.

Chillicothe is the smallest community recipient not part of a metropolitan area in the decade the award has been given.

With a population of about 9,500, Chillicothe has a solid foundation of arts activities and support.

Each year the city hosts a two-day craft and entertainment festival, a bluegrass festival, an evening concert series and an art walk. Chillicothe’s high school boasts an 850-seat performing arts center and nearly 20 downtown murals.