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Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector

This Historic Celebration Needs You!
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The IAC Divided the State into Six Distinct Regions
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SMU DataArts Names Illinois Sixth Most Vibrant Arts State

Find the full analysis on the SMU DataArts website

Arts Impact in Illinois

$37.39B

of our state's gross domestic product was contributed by arts and culture in 2023 - Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Dept of Commerce
 

226,407

Illinois jobs were in arts and culture (2023)
- Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce

 

22

grants totaling $862,855 were directed to Illinois school districts in developing arts and foreign language curricula in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (FY2024)

$478M

in revenues to state and local government were delivered by Illinois arts nonprofits in 2024 - Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6)

 

29

local arts councils partnered with IAC through its Local Arts Network to support statewide arts programming (FY2024)


 

100%

of all legislative districts throughout Illinois receive free access to local and regional news, public affairs and arts programming through IAC support for Illinois Public Radio and Television (FY2025)

Featured Illinois Arts Organization

Springfield Area Arts Council - Recipients of IAC General Operating Support, Youth Employment in the Arts, Poetry Out Loud and Regional Arts Partner Grants

Springfield Area Arts Council Diamond Ball (SAAC Executive Director, Bella Szabo/pictured left of center)

Since 1976, the Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) has worked to support artists, strengthen partnerships, and create opportunities for people of all ages to experience and engage with the arts. In addition to its public programs, SAAC has invested in the growth of the local arts community through grant opportunities that support artists, schools, and organizations.

 

SAAC celebrates 50 years of enriching the community through the arts with special events and programs throughout the year. 2026 celebrations began with SAAC's Diamond Ball in April. This Regency-inspired immersive experience allowed attendees to step into a world of elegant attire, games, and interactive competitions, bringing people together through creativity and fun. Also in April, SAAC cheered on our Poetry Out Loud Illinois State Champion, Jaden Conley, who won 3rd place at the National Recitation Contest. This summer, SAAC will continue the celebration through its annual free community programs that showcase the many ways art connects people. Community members enjoy live music, dance, poetry, and more through the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, Artist in the Park, Music at the Market, and Shakespeare in the Park programs. The celebration will continue into the fall with the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts in October, recognizing the artists, supporters, and community members whose passion and dedication help make Springfield’s arts community thrive. Celebrations culminate with SAAC’s First Night Springfield, as downtown Springfield transforms into a vibrant hub of live performances and interactive experiences across multiple stages and venues on New Year’s Eve.

 

Says Bella Szabo, SAAC's Executive Director, "Thanks to the support of IAC's granting programs, the Springfield Area Arts Council is able to directly impact over 30,000 individuals each year. The impact can be felt throughout our entire region, in our artists, our students, our partner organizations, and the communities we serve."
 

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Illinois Artist Spotlight

Jade Yumang - FY24 IAC Fellowship in Crafts

Photo courtesy of Headlands Center for the Arts

Jade Yumang’s artistic journey is as diverse as their geographical path. Born in Quezon City, Philippines, and named after their mother's beauty salon, Jade spent formative years in Dubai before moving to Vancouver, Canada. In each place, they adapted and drew inspiration from the surrounding cultures, eventually pursuing art as a means of exploring identity and belonging. Jade's academic achievements include a BFA from the University of British Columbia and an MFA from the Parsons School of Design. Currently residing in Chicago, Jade serves as an associate professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and their work has been featured in prominent galleries worldwide.

 

Jade’s work is currently being showcased through June 7 at Borzello Art Gallery in Galesburg, IL, in an exhibition titled A Certain Detachment. Says Jade, “I am excited to showcase a large number of works at Borzello Art Gallery. This new sculptural series is inspired by a folkloric monster from the Philippines, exploring its reclamation and reimagination as it adapts to life in North America." A Certain Detachment reflects Jade's exploration of "queer" as a process, using meticulous fiber techniques to transform traditional narratives into contemporary art forms. This summer, Jade will participate in residencies at the Roger Brown Residency and Headlands Center for the Arts, further expanding Jade’s artistic exploration and the cultural dialogue their work continues to provoke.

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arts.illinois.gov

Illinois Arts Council
115 S. LaSalle St., Suite 2202
Chicago, IL 60603-3804 (map)
Office: (312) 814-6750
Toll-free: (800) 237-6994
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Para información en Español llame al Illinois Arts Council al (312) 814-4993

iac.info@illinois.gov

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