Supporting Illinois' Arts Sector

The McLean County Museum of History is an independent nonprofit and nationally accredited museum in the heart of Downtown Bloomington, which actively harnesses the power of the arts to present interdisciplinary programming and exhibits highlighting the diverse stories of the people of Illinois’ largest county. Approximately 40,000 people visit the museum and its Cruisin’ with 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop each year. In the last calendar year alone, the museum presented 72 in-person events and 225 outreach programs—almost all free to participants.

“Support from the IAC’s Operating Grant empowers us to bring innovative, hands-on arts programming to our community, whether it’s one of our ‘Day Off, Art On’ institute day programs for students in grades 5–8 or one of the many concerts we host each year,” says Executive Director Julie Emig.

The museum's commitment to integrating art into public life was supported by a 2024 IAC Catalyst Grant, which helped launch Sculpture on the Square. This initiative features rotating public art on the grounds of the museum's historic 1903 courthouse building. The current installation — a llama created by local farmer-turned-artist Robert Cumpston from recycled farm implements — connects art to agriculture, creativity to place, and contemporary expression to the community’s history.

The same experience can be found inside the museum, where its newest exhibition, More Than a Game: A Community History of Baseball & Softball presented by Beer Nuts Brand Snacks & The Shirk Family, features local stories of the game to explore social upheaval and resilience throughout American history. “That is the museum's greatest community impact,” says Emig. “It doesn’t simply preserve the past; it uses the past as a starting point for creativity, conversation, learning, and connection. And through the support of the Illinois Arts Council, more people across McLean County can experience what happens when history and the arts come together." 

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.