|
Issue 73 / December 5, 2025
|
|
|
In this issue:
• Gov. Pritzker Unveils Illinois' Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary
• Reminder: Final Reports Due December 15 for GOS and YEA Grantees
• Arts Midwest Open Grants Opportunities
• Introducing the US250 Persona Poem Project
• Featured Illinois Arts Organization
• Additional Opportunities
|
|
Gov. Pritzker Unveils Illinois' Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary
|
|
|
Governor JB Pritzker with state partners and members of the Illinois America 250 Commission at Navy Pier on Wednesday, December 3. Photo credit: Teresa Davis.
|
|
|
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker unveiled an initiative this week to honor this historic milestone in 2026. Launched at Chicago's Navy Pier with participation from multiple state agencies, the governor announced the America 250 celebration will span the entire state, featuring diverse programming, events, and educational opportunities. "The story of Illinois has always been the story of America," Governor Pritzker stated. "I want to invite all Illinoisans to take part in this celebration with your family, friends, and neighbors-to educate one another and tell the stories of people who make Illinois the best state in the country and America the greatest country in the world."
On behalf of the Governor's office, the Illinois Arts Council(IAC) is proud to participate in bringing this vision to life through 20 public art projects in communities across Illinois. This component of the governor's initiative aims to empower communities through art, reflecting the diverse narratives that have shaped both the state and the nation. Said IAC Board Chair, Nora Daley, "An investment in public art is an investment in people-strengthening communities and creating shared spaces that bring us together. These projects show how art can energize local economics and deepen our sense of place across Illinois."
Illinoisans are encouraged to join the festivities and contribute to this momentous occasion. Communities and organizations can become official Illinois America 250partners, gaining access to valuable resources and promotional support. Whether through engaging in local events, exploring historical sites, or participating in creative projects, residents can help commemorate this landmark anniversary. To get involved, visit the Illinois America 250 Commission's community calendar at www.il250.org/eventsand join in celebrating Illinois' role in the nation's ongoing story.
|
|
Reminder: Final Reports Due December 15 for GOS and YEA Grantees
|
|
|
Attention all FY25 General Operating Support (GOS) and Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) grantees! As the Illinois Arts Council(IAC) approaches the end of the year, please be reminded that your final reports are due by December 15, 2025.
Final reports are now available in the IAC's Salesforce grants management system. Be sure to check your inbox for an email from our grants office, which contains detailed instructions on how to complete your report. To avoid missing any important communications, please add [email protected]to your safe senders list.
To assist you in this process, we have recorded a webinarproviding step-by-step guidance on completing your final reports. You can access this valuable resource on the IAC's final reports landing page.
|
|
|
Arts Midwest Open Grant Opportunities
|
|
|
Shakespeare in American Communities -
Intent to Apply Due January 29
Applications are now open for the 2026-27 cycle of Shakespeare in American Communities, a national initiative by Arts Midwest. This program supports nonprofit theater companies across the U.S. in delivering high-quality Shakespearean productions and educational activities. Three grant opportunities are available: Schools, Juvenile Justice, and Apprenticeships. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit theater organizations with at least two years of relevant experience and must operate in the U.S. or Native Nations within this geography. A mandatory Intent to Apply is due by January 29, 2026, with final applications due by February 12, 2026. LEARN MORE.
NEA Big Read - Intent to Apply Due January 15
Applications are now open for the 2026-27 NEA Big Read, a joint program supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest. This initiative provides matching grants of up to $20,000 to community groups for reading programs exploring American history, culture, and resilience through selected books. The theme for this cycle, America250, honors the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Communities can choose from a diverse selection of books, including classics like "The Grapes of Wrath" and contemporary works such as "The House on Mango Street," to inspire discussions, workshops, and creative activities. The Intent to Apply deadline is January 15, 2026, with final applications due January 29. Programs will run from September 2026 to June 2027, offering a chance to celebrate America's cultural heritage. LEARN MORE.
|
|
|
Introducing the US250 Persona Poem Project
|
|
Highland Park Poetry& Illinois State Poetry Societyare now accepting submissions of persona poems that explore a moment in U.S. history from about 1765-1800, the time period leading up to and during the War for Independence and the creation of the United States of America. The project aims to uncover narratives of heroes, heroines, villains, and witnesses, particularly those often overlooked in traditional history books. Selected poems will be published in an anthology set to release in May 2026. Additionally, three poets will be awarded $250 prizes, judged by Lynne Viti, the inaugural poet laureate of Westwood, Massachusetts. Poets interested in submitting their work must do so by December 31, 2025. For submission guidelines and the entry form, please follow the link below.
|
|
|
Featured Illinois Arts Organization
Chicago Cultural Alliance, FY26 General Operating Support
Grant Recipient
|
|
|
This week, the IAC is proud to feature the Chicago Cultural Alliance(CCA), a dynamic consortium dedicated to connecting, promoting, and supporting centers of cultural heritage across the Chicago region. With a mission to foster a more inclusive Chicago, the CCA brings together a network of 50 cultural heritage museums, centers, and historical societies spanning 23 neighborhoods and 11 suburbs, representing over 30 diverse cultures. Their vision is to create a city where every community has a voice, and cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration are integral to the civic fabric. Through their work, CCA strives to amplify the diverse narratives of Chicago, ensuring that all communities are represented and heard.
The upcoming Activating Heritage Conference demonstrates CCA's commitment to professional development for cultural heritage and nonprofit professionals. Scheduled for March 10, 2026, on the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) campus, this fully in-person event promises a day of enriching experiences. The conference will feature a keynote address, complimentary meals, networking opportunities, and a comprehensive schedule of panels, workshops, and discussions. It's designed to serve cultural heritage professionals, arts and culture workers, students, and historians across the Chicago region. CCA has opened a call for proposals encouraging submissions from its members to help shape the conference on topics that address overcoming future challenges.
Says Mónica Félix, Ph.D., CCA's Executive Director, "It's amazing to see the power this conference has had in creating new friendships, inspiring new exhibits, and generating new collaborations over the years. We've seen numerous cultural centers launch their own oral history projects for the first time after attending this conference and hearing about work their colleagues have done. I've seen cultural groups attend the panel on "grants for cultural heritage centers," connect with funders, and eventually receive an award for the first time the following year. The conference is so much more than sharing knowledge and gaining inspiration for new initiatives. It is about creating a space for cultural heritage workers and museum professionals to find friendship and support."
|
|
|
Other Opportunities You May Have Missed
|
|
The Muse, the Illinois Arts Council Newsletter, is published weekly. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the IAC is strictly prohibited. The Muse is distributed free of charge.
Do you have an arts story you think Illinois needs to hear about? We want to hear from you! Submissions should focus on artist/organizational opportunities or on the impact of the arts on communities, the people creating art, or those experiencing art. Share your story with our Director of Communications at [email protected]. The IAC reserves the right to edit or reject any material.
This week's banner features About Face Theatre's 2024 production of "The Brightest Thing in the World." Photo Credit: Nathaneal Filbert.
arts.illinois.gov
|
|
|
|
