IllinoisArtsCouncil

The IAC celebrates Jaden Conley, our state’s Poetry Out Loud champion, who has achieved an outstanding third place nationally! Jaden, a senior at Niles West High School, rose through the semifinals, captivating audiences with his heartfelt recitations. Congrats Jaden!

Thank you to the cultural leaders who joined the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) in Springfield for the 2026 Capitol Day Reception. Partnering with the Illinois State Museum, the event on April 15 brought together nearly 200 arts organizations from all over the state.

Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Arts Council Announce Public Art Projects Twenty-two projects for Illinois’ America 250 celebration will reflect diverse narratives and cultural heritage across the state. Follow the link to the press release: conta.cc/4voOzF6.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ILLINOIS ARTISTS @il_cdb CDB/AIA is now accepting RFQ's from IL artists to create public art for IDOT Farmland rest areas in Farmers City, IL (DeWitt County) Project # 630-497-002 Deadline: Wed.,June 3, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Budget $40,000 cdb.illinois.gov/professionalgr…

Grateful to the @ILarts Council for their support of Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival! Proud to be a part of Illinois' thriving arts community.

IAC Board Member Hedy Ratner is marking a milestone! It's the 40th anniversary of the late Gov. Jim Thompson announcing the creation of the Small Business Development Center for Women, now known as the Women’s Business Development Center Congrats Hedy! Photo: Callie Lipkin

On March 5th, IAC Board Chair, Nora Daley, took part on a panel at the @cityclubchicago discussing the power of arts and culture in shaping Chicago’s future, moderated by Illinois State Representative Kim du Buclet - 5th District @kimberlydubuclet cityclub-chicago.org/event/2/5746/r…

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ILLINOIS ARTISTS @il_cdb CDB/AIA is now accepting RFQ's from IL artists to create public art for IDOT Coalfield Rest Areas in Waggoner, Illinois (Project # 630-397-005) Deadline: Wed., April 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Budget $82,000 cdb.illinois.gov/.../rfq/coalfi…

The Muse Illinois Artist Spotlight: Erin Barnett of Black Girls Dance, FY26 General Operating Support Recipient @blackgirlsdance BGD is dedicated to providing transformative opportunities through training, mentorship, and exposure. #blackgirlsdance blackgirlsdance.org

IAC Finl Reports Update The IAC announces that the email distribution of final report instructions has begun for these FY25 grant programs: - IAC Partnerships & Initiatives - Creative Catalyst - LEAD Scholarships Check your inbox for this email from no-reply@webmerge.me.

The IAC is delighted to announce that we have reached an astounding 10k followers on Instagram! We'd like to thank all of our followers and we appreciate all of your support! We encourage those who don't already follow us, to check us out on IG! instagram.com/illinoisartsco…

The IAC announces the FY27 General Operating Support application. GOS includes optional application questions for IAC’s Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) Grant. The GOS, with optional YEA, deadline is Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:59pm. Visit: arts.illinois.gov/granting-oppor…

The IAC was mentioned in a story about Gen Z employees are giving arts and culture organizations a glow up thanks to the IAC's Youth Employment in the Arts program. Many thanks to Arts Midwest / @arts_midwest - we are honored! artsmidwest.org/stories/youth-…

Galena LitFest: The Work of Poetry with Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte @ilhumanities @galena_library Thursday, January 29, 2026, 6 – 8:00pm Mąą Pįį Preserve and Center, 1221 N Ferry Landing Rd., Galena, IL Free. Hybrid. Registration is required. ilhumanities.org/events/galena-…

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ILLINOIS ARTISTS @il_cdb CDB/AIA is now accepting RFQ's from IL artists to create public art for the Illinois State University Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, Normal, IL Deadline: Wed., Mar. 4, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Budget $195,000. cdb.illinois.gov/content/dam/so…

The Illinois Arts Council's Fiscal Year 2027 Creative Learning Grants for Schools (CLGS) is open. The deadline is Wed., Feb. 18, 2206, at 11:59pm. The application must be submitted via IAC’s Salesforce grant portal. For more CLGS details, follow the link: arts.illinois.gov/granting-oppor…

Thanks so much to @ILArts for funding us once again this year! We're grateful for your generous support. And also, a great big, happy 60th birthday! #IAC60 Thanks for everything you do to support the arts across Illinois. Here's to the next 60 years!🥂❤️

Nora Daley, IAC Board Chair, wraps up the year-long celebration that featured a vibrant social media campaign that highlighted the voices of Illinois artists, arts organizations, elected officials, and community leaders. #iac60 #iac60strong #iac60andbeyond #noradaley

Happy Holidays to All from the Staff at the Illinois Arts Council! Photo: Loren Wright, Art Institute of Chicago

A huge thanks to Mary McNamara Bersten, long-time IAC partner and Executive Director at the Rockford Area Arts Council, for this lovely 60th video! Thanks for all that you do, Mary! #iac60 #iac60strong #illinoisartscouncil #rockforedareaartscouncil #marymcnamarabernsten