Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector

Praize Productions, Inc. (PPI) was established in 2010 on Chicago's South Side by Enneréssa LaNette, the organization's CEO/founder. Known for their theatrical productions, youth programming, and RIZE Professional Company, PPI's holistic approach to dance and community engagement has earned them such accolades as the Black Theater Alliance Award and eleven Black Excellence Awards from the Black Arts and Cultural Alliance.

Their 2026-2027 season kicks off with the annual Homecoming event on September 12th. This celebration, part of PPI's "Beyond the Stage" initiative, promises a vibrant day of dance, food, and fun, designed to engage the community and make the arts more accessible. This year, PPI is partnering with the South Side Sanctuary to bring hundreds of residents together for this special occasion. The Performing Arts Academy begins its Fall season on September 14th, welcoming youth aged 3-18 to register and participate in its transformative programs.

Says Enneréssa LaNette, “The funding that we receive from the Illinois Arts Council allows our beloved organization to continue to enrich our communities and the city of Chicago with arts-based programming that deeply impacts the lives of residents and artists alike, while driving resources and opportunities directly back into our underserved neighborhoods." Follow the link below for more information about PPI and their events or follow them on their social media platforms.

Allison Walsh (she/they) is an independent documentary filmmaker, fine artist, and founder of the Big Picture Peoria Film Festival, dedicated to fostering community connections in the Midwest. Walsh has been a cinematographer and field producer for documentaries on ESPN+, Discovery+, Magnolia Network, and independent films, including Time Warp, which premiered this year at Tribeca. Walsh’s first feature documentary, All of the Above, premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and is currently screening on the festival circuit. It received the Emerging Documentary Award at the Milwaukee Film Festival and has been featured on Deadline. The project is produced in association with Kartemquin Films.

Speaking about the impact of IAC support, Walsh shares, "The Accelerator grant was a game-changer for me, both creatively and professionally. It let me dedicate myself to the film without needing to pick up extra work to cover budget gaps. This freedom gave me the time, clarity, and creative space I needed to complete the project to the best of my ability. This grant affirmed my work, strengthened my professional foundation, and allowed me to complete my first feature documentary with the quality and care it deserved. The impact of the CAF grant has been lasting and profound.”