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Special Initiatives

The Illinois Arts Council implements several statewide initiatives for arts organizations, educators, and individual artists, often in partnership with local, state, regional, and national entities. On this page you will find an overview of current and ongoing special initiatives.

  • Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Project: The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have partnered with State Arts Agencies of the United States to support the expansion of Poetry Out Loud, which encourages the nation's youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. This exciting program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. More >>
  • AH! (Arts + Humanities) Month: National Arts and Humanities Month is a coast-to-coast collective celebration of culture in America. Held every October and coordinated by Americans for the Arts, it is the largest annual celebration of the arts and humanities in the nation. From arts center open houses to mayoral proclamations to banners and media coverage, communities across the United States join together to recognize the importance of arts and culture in our daily lives. Promoted in Illinois by the Illinois Arts Council in partnership with Illinois Humanities. More >>
  • The Local Arts Network (LAN) is an initiative to build capacity and excellence amongst Local Arts Agencies so they can better serve their communities and provide opportunities for validation and support. The LAN is open to leaders from Local Arts Agencies across Illinois. More >>
  • One State Together in the Arts - Convened every other year by the Illinois Arts Council and Arts Alliance IllinoisOne State Together in the Arts is the only conference for arts administrators, practitioners, and other stakeholders from all artistic disciplines and all corners of Illinois. More >>

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