Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector

Experimental Sound Studio (ESS) is a pioneering Chicago nonprofit dedicated to the evolution of sound and experimental music. Since its founding in 1986, ESS has been at the forefront of the sonic arts, providing an ecosystem where artists can explore and innovate. As both an organizer and a resource hub, ESS commissions new works and develops public programs in experimental music. It offers artists access to a Creative Audio Archive, a recording studio, paid residencies, workshops, and more, supporting over 475 artists annually.

Marking its 40th anniversary, ESS has broadened its reach by opening major public presentations to open calls. This includes the Sonic Pavilion Festival at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, scheduled for September 12-14, and the 25th Anniversary Florasonic installation at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, running from August 23 to October 11. Both programs highlight ESS’s dedication to site-specific sound art. To celebrate, ESS will host an anniversary event at its Edgewater location on October 17, with more details to be announced soon.

“It is a unique privilege to work daily with a community of people who are pushing the boundaries of art, of our conceptions of self and society. We’re doing a detailed audit now, but in a conservative estimate, ESS has worked with nearly 5,000 artists over the past 40 years, all of whom were interrogating our understanding of the world in different ways. It gives you a different perspective, one which I find quite hopeful, to work within that sort of lineage," says ESS Co-Director Olivia Junell. “We look forward to the next 40 years.”

Lance Long is a portrait and fine art dance photographer based in Elgin, IL, and the owner of Lance’s Studio Photography. With over 20 years of experience, Lance has developed a keen eye for capturing the essence of dance, blending technical precision with the expressive qualities inherent in dance. His collaborative approach highlights the skills and artistry of dancers, creating timeless images that captivate viewers with form, energy, and emotion.

Reflecting on the impact of the Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF), Lance shares, "With support from the Illinois Arts Council’s Creative Accelerator Fund, Lance’s Studio Photography was able to meaningfully expand into stage performance video documentation. We saw a growing need among dancers and studios for high-quality archival and promotional footage, and the grant allowed us to invest in the right video and audio equipment for live theater environments. As a result, we can now capture full-length performances with clarity while maintaining the artistry of the work on stage. This support allowed us to continue capturing dancers’ most meaningful moments while building a stronger, more sustainable creative business."

Currently, Lance is investing in partnerships with studios to support fundraising efforts and create artistic promotional imagery for nonprofit dance companies. Additionally, CAF support covers operational costs, allowing him to focus on developing new concepts and refining his techniques. This growth benefits dancers and arts organizations while contributing to Illinois’ creative economy through collaboration with local artists.