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Issue 101 / July 10, 2026
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In this issue
• IL250 Public Art Grant Unveiling
• IAC Creative Projects Grant is Now Open
• Chicago Art Book Fair is Now Accepting Applications
• DCASE's Commitment to Cultural Accessibility
• July is Disability Pride Month
• Illinois Artist Spotlight
• Additional Opportunities
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IL250 Public Art Grant Unveiling
Drew Hanfland Sculpture in Effingham, Illinois
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Artist Drew Hanfland with Effingham's new sculpture. Photo credit, Gary Stanfield
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On July 1st, the Effingham Performance Center (EPC) was pleased to unveil its Illinois 250 America sculpture. The unveiling was among 22 Illinois public art projects funded in 2026 by the Illinois Arts Council in collaboration with the Office of the Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Humanities. Local artist Drew Hanfland, known for his versatile talents, created a breathtaking sculpture reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing our nation's rich cultural tapestry and enduring quest for freedom. Set in the courtyard of the EPC, the sculpture will stand as a lasting tribute to this significant milestone, encouraging visitors to reflect on our country's journey.
Kim Jansen, executive director of the Effingham Performance Center, shared her enthusiasm: "We're thrilled to be part of this statewide initiative, celebrating America's 250th anniversary through the arts. Drew Hanfland's artwork will be a vibrant centerpiece for our patrons, visitors, and the community, inviting us all to gather and reflect on this historic national milestone."
This initiative, part of the broader Illinois America 250 Commission effort, aims to celebrate Illinois' historical contributions and values. Visit the IAC's dedicated Illinois America 250 webpage for details on this and all other public art grant projects taking place throughout the year.
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Arts publishers, independent book presses, comic artists, zinemakers, and printmakers are encouraged to apply for this year's Chicago Art Book Fair. Scheduled to take place from November 13-15 in downtown Chicago, this international showcase offers a unique platform for emerging talents to present their work in an accessible and affordable setting.
For more details, follow the link below or reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
The application deadline is July 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST
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Chicago Cultural Alliance Webinar
Meeting the Moment Financial Session
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The Chicago Cultural Alliance invites nonprofit leaders and cultural organizations to join the next Meeting the Moment free webinar, "Using a Simple Grant Strategy," on July 16. Led by John Bateman, founder of Nonprofit Sanity, this session will help you move beyond one-off applications and begin managing grants as a strategic, holistic portfolio. By learning how to identify funding opportunities 12-18 months in advance and developing a basic plan for treating grants as a collective pool of funds, you can better focus your time and increase your chances of success. For more information and to register, follow the link below.
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DCASE's Commitment to Cultural Accessibility
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Chicago Cultural Center - photo courtesy of Enjoy Illinois
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This July, as we celebrate Accessibility Pride Month, the IAC would like to shine a spotlight on the fantastic work by the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). With Zhen Heinemann as Director of Visitor Experience and Public Engagement, DCASE is making sure everyone can enjoy Chicago's many vibrant cultural activities.
DCASE has a range of accessible events this summer. Their exhibit, Ornament and Information, which runs through July 19 at the Chicago Cultural Center, provides audio descriptions and transcripts via QR codes. If you are heading across the street to the Millennium Park Film Series or the Summer Music Series, they both feature open captions and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. And, at the Taste of Chicago's Main Stage from July 8-12, ASL interpretation will be available every night.
These efforts are part of a larger movement among arts and cultural venues that commonly provide wheelchair-accessible parking, are welcoming to service animals, and incorporate sensory-friendly features, sighted guides, or other supportive services. Chicago is setting an example in building welcoming and inclusive spaces and, in the process, inspiring other organizations to do the same. By prioritizing accessibility, these venues are not only enhancing cultural experiences but also ensuring everyone feels they truly belong.
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Illinois Artist Spotlight
Fern Logan - FY26 IAC Creative Projects Grant Recipient
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Fern Logan has been a renowned photographer since she emerged in the early 1970s. Her work has been exhibited widely, including the groundbreaking Reflections in Black exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum and at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Her photography is included in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian and the Harlem State Office Building. A recipient of numerous awards and grants, Logan is Professor Emerita of Cinema & Photography at Southern Illinois University. Her book, The Artist Portrait Series, features portraits of prominent Black artists and has been celebrated for its contribution to documenting African American artists.
Funded by an IAC Creative Projects Grant, Fern Logan is currently building on her previous Artist Portrait Series in a new collection featuring full-color portraits of several prominent Illinois artists of color, including Antonio Martinez, Najjar Musawwir, and Tonika Johnson, among others. Logan is currently traveling between Chicago and Southern Illinois to complete the series, which she plans to expand beyond Illinois in the future.
"My creative journey is my lived experience as a Black woman in Western society," Logan shares. Her exhibition, Generations, will open on Labor Day weekend (and run through September) at Artspace Southern Illinois in Carbondale. This exhibition highlights the work of mature artists alongside those they have mentored and inspired, providing a platform for intergenerational dialogue and creative exchange.
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Other Opportunities You May Have Missed
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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 Muse banner features A.B.L.E.- Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations-Benjamin Collins (as The Creature) crowd surfing in the A.B.L.E. production of Frankenstein-photo credit, Vashon Jordan Jr.
arts.illinois.gov
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