One State Conference

One State in the Arts & Humanities is the largest statewide convening of arts and cultural professionals in Illinois. This dynamic gathering is designed for participants to: 

• Share best practices and emerging local and national trends
• Deepen our understanding of arts and culture work in different parts of the state
• Support skill-sharing, collaboration, and peer learning 
• Increase access to professional development and skill-building workshops  

Arts, culture, and humanities professionals and stakeholders are invited to participate in this powerful gathering, aimed at deepening statewide connections, sparking new ideas, and catalyzing a vibrant vision for Illinois’ arts and culture sector. 

We hope you will join us at One State in the Arts & Humanities, November 5–7, 2025, in Champaign-Urbana as we aim to collectively celebrate and strengthen our state’s vital cultural sector. 

For the 2025 convening, the IAC has partnered with Illinois Humanities and Arts Alliance Illinois.  If you have questions, please contact OneState@ILHumanities.org. 

Early bird registration is now open! Early Bird registration fees are $125 through September 19, 2025. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register Now

How are you meeting the Moment?

In a year marked by challenge and change, Illinois’ cultural community is stepping up with creativity, care, and commitment. Both a call to action and a space to reflect, this year’s One State invites organizations and cultural workers to explore what this moment asks of us — and what we can build together through the arts and humanities.

We want to hear from you! Learn more about the Call for Proposals here.

The deadline to submit a proposal is 11:59 p.m. CT on Friday, August 22, 2025.

• Our conference hub will be the Hilton Garden Inn (1501 South Neil Street, Champaign, IL 61812). Book your hotel room by using our dedicated One State special rate link.

Deadline: CLOSED

Illinois Arts Council and Illinois Humanities extend immense gratitude to the statewide planning committee for their invaluable guidance and thoughtful collaboration in shaping this year’s gathering. Thank you for your vision, time, and deep care for our state’s arts and culture community.

• Bella Szabo, Springfield Area Arts Council
• Breawna Austin, Legacy Training, Inc
• Camille Wilson White, Oak Park Area Arts Council
• Carolyn Randolph-Kato, College of Fine & Applied Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Cat Tager, 3Arts
• Chuck Benya, Artspace 304
• Douglas Johnson, McLean County Arts Center
• Erin Eveland, The Hub - Arts & Cultural Center
• Gabrielle Lyon, Illinois Humanities
• Jane, Beachy, Illinois Humanities
• Jessica, Modica, Freeport Art Museum
• Joseph Gackstetter, Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
• Joshua, Davis-Ruperto, Illinois Arts Council
• Kacie Smith, Arts Alliance Illinois
• Kelly White, 40 North
• Lynne Chambers, Legacy Training, Inc.
• Mae Gilliland Wright, Arts Partners of Central Illinois
• Marcella Cloud, Macoupin Art Collective- The MAC
• Martin Matsuyuki Krause, Illinois Humanities
• Rachel Storm, Krannert Art Museum
• Samuel Smith, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
• Sue Scott, Western Illinois Museum
• Susan Dickson, Illinois Arts Council
• Teresa Davis, Illinois Arts Council