Member Spotlight on Illinois Arts Council Agency
Images featured on the website throughout November and December were provided by GIA member Illinois Arts Council Agency. Created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1965, the Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA) is governed by a board of private citizens appointed by the Governor who are charged with developing the state’s public arts policy, fostering quality culturally diverse programs, and approving grants expenditures. Resources to support the Illinois Arts Council Agency are provided by the Governor and General Assembly of Illinois, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
In service to the people of Illinois, the IACA provides operating and technical support to arts organizations and programs statewide, helping keep Illinois’ arts sector vital, vibrant, and accessible to all. The Agency advances arts education and fosters working artists by providing resources, opportunities, and direct support to individual artists, the foundation of Illinois' creative environment.
In the current fiscal year (FY14), the IACA has seen a restoration of some funds to its budget, allowing for the reinstatement of programs suspended as a result of budget constraints. The IACA plans to expand support of the arts in the state with the addition of the following funding opportunities:
- Artist Fellowship Awards, unrestricted direct support to originating artists;
- Artstour & Live Music, funding to Illinois not-for-profit organizations to present Illinois performing artists, companies, or groups for performances, collaborations, or short residencies held in conjunction with performances;
- Literary Awards, companion awards to Illinois non-profit Literary presses/magazines and the Illinois writers they publish;
- Youth Employment in the Arts, funding to Illinois not-for-profit organizations to offer high quality employment internships for high school students, enhancing personal development through positive cultural experiences and paid on-the-job training.
Image: Dia de los Muertos community procession, Elevarte Community Studio, Chicago. Photo: Kyle La Mere Photography