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Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector
SMU DataArts Names Illinois Sixth Most Vibrant Arts State
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
Pontiac Public Library FY26 Creative Projects Grant Recipient
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Illinois Artist Spotlight
Mercedes Inez Martinez, FY26 Creative Accelerator Fund Recipient
Mercedes Inez Martinez is a distinguished multidisciplinary artist and cultural advocate. Martinez is the driving force behind Son Monarcas and the Mercedes Inez Ensemble, where she showcases her talents as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. Her work harmonizes traditional Mexican music with a rich tapestry of musical influences to create her own vibrant and engaging sound. Martinez's contributions to the arts have garnered support from the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and her collaborations span organizations such as Urban Gateways, Chicago Public Schools, and the Chicago Sinfonietta.
Currently, Mercedes and Son Monarcas are set to release new original music throughout 2026, following the success of their fall 2025 release, Nueva Era. The ensemble is also actively involved in extensive cultural arts programming, predominantly on Chicago’s West Side. Through their educational performance program, “Butterfly Fandango," Son Monarcas brings the joy of music, dance, and storytelling to schools and community organizations, fostering cultural appreciation and inspiring young minds across the Midwest and beyond. Mercedes also collaborates with her sister Stephanie Martinez’s company, Para.Mar Dance Theatre, as Director of Strategic Engagement & Partnerships. Para.Mar is currently gearing up for a world premiere contemporary ballet performance of Mujeres, inspired by Gabriela Mistral’s ‘Locas Mujeres.’ The event is scheduled for April 17-18 and will include a live performance by Son Monarcas.
Says Martinez, “For me, music is about connection, bringing people together, sharing stories, and celebrating culture. Growing up in El Paso and now living in Chicago all these years, I’ve been shaped by the rich traditions of both places, from borderland sounds to Chicago’s jazz, blues, and soul, and I’ve seen how music can bring different communities together. Performing and teaching isn’t just my work; it’s how I get to honor traditions, build community, and inspire young people to see themselves in the arts.” To learn more about Son Monarcas and their work, follow the link below or follow them on Instagram @sonmonarcas and @mercedesinez.
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