|
Issue 74 / December 12, 2025
|
|
|
In this issue:
• IL State Museum Reaccredited by American Alliance of Museums
• Reminder: Final Reports Due December 15 for GOS and YEA Grantees
• Calling All Chicago Artists - Apply Now for the DCASE Individual Artist Grant
CineYouth 2026: Call for Entries!
• Leading the Arts
• Additional Opportunities
|
|
Illinois State Museum Reaccredited by American Alliance of Museums
|
|
|
The Illinois State Museum (ISM) has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation's museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies, and the museum-going public. The Illinois State Museum has been accredited since 1972.
"ISM has a long history of being an AAM-accredited institution, and we are excited to continue to showcase our excellence," said Illinois State Museum Director Jenn Edginton. "Our team worked hard to earn this recognition, and we are proud to share it with the state." Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines all aspects of the museum's operations. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.
To earn accreditation, ISM had to conduct a year of self-study, then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM's Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation. Only 3% of the nation's museums are AAM-accredited.
"Accreditation is a monumental achievement," said AAM President and CEO Marilyn Jackson. "The process demonstrates an institution's commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size."
The Illinois State Museum plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting the state's history through a diverse range of exhibits. Visitors can explore three floors of displays featuring over 13.5 million artifacts, including fossils, skeletal specimens of the mastodon, and Jefferson's ground sloth. Interactive exhibits and dioramas provide insights into the processes that have shaped Illinois' environments and the lives of its native peoples and settlers. Established in 1877, the museum is headquartered in Springfield, with branch facilities in Lewistown and Lockport, and continues to inspire discovery and stewardship of cultural and natural resources.
This article is based on a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
|
|
|
Calling All Chicago Artists
Apply for a 2026 Individual Artists Program (IAP) Grant!
|
|
|
Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) invites all Chicago artists to apply for a 2026 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant. IAP grants support artists across all artistic disciplines, including film & media arts, literary arts, music, performing arts (theater/dance), and visual arts/design.
IAP aims to assist Chicago's practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers, while adding to the cultural vitality of the city of Chicago.
The application deadline is January 15, 2026
|
|
|
CineYouth 2026: Call for Entries!
|
|
|
CineYouth, part of the Chicago International Film Festival, is an annual event that highlights short films created by filmmakers aged 22 and younger from around the world. Scheduled to take place in Chicago from April 24 to 26, 2026, this event promises three days dedicated to celebrating the innovative and creative voices of young filmmakers.
Films that receive awards at CineYouth will be featured in the "Best of the Fest" program at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival in October. Aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to submit their short films by January 5 to benefit from the Early Bird Discount. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact [email protected]. This event offers a unique chance for young creators to showcase their talents and engage with a dynamic community of filmmakers.
|
|
|
Leading the Arts
The IAC Honors Sue Greenberg, Executive Director of the St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
|
|
|
After nearly four decades at the helm of St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts(VLAA), Sue Greenberg is retiring at the end of 2025. Greenberg has been an influential leader, steering the organization from its nascent stages to a well-regarded entity that provides crucial support to the creative community. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to advocacy, the expansion of core programs, and the development of services like affordable healthcare access and live/workspaces for artists. Recognized for her efforts, Greenberg has received numerous accolades, including the Missouri Arts Council Leadership in the Arts Award and the St. Louis Visionary Award.
VLAA, a pivotal organization serving the bi-state St. Louis metropolitan region, has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) for over 30 years. Under Greenberg's guidance, VLAA has benefited from stable IAC grant support. She also partnered with IAC to regrant funds in East St. Louis and presented at several One State conferences. Said Greenberg, "This enduring partnership has allowed VLAA to continue offering invaluable legal and accounting services to artists and nonprofits, fostering a vibrant arts community."
Reflecting on her career, Greenberg shared, "I can't imagine a more fulfilling job than supporting our region's creative community and working with partners who share my enthusiasm." As she steps down, VLAA welcomes Nathaniel Carroll as the new Executive Director. With a robust legal background and a passion for the arts, Carroll is poised to lead VLAA into its next chapter. Congratulations to Nathaniel Carroll on his appointment, and warm regards to Sue Greenberg for her extraordinary service and lasting impact on the arts community.
|
|
|
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 "Winter Scenes & Holiday Dreams," an exhibit at The Next Picture Show Community Fine Arts Center in Dixon, IL. The exhibit runs through December 20. Photo Credit: Enjoy Illinois.
arts.illinois.gov
|
|
|
|
