New Initiative Supports Illinois Artists
WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to some of the people who helped launch the new Arts For Illinois Relief Fund.
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“We’ve heard back from just over 320 organizations, and that’s about 10% of just the non-profit cultural sector in this state. And just from those 320 organization we’re seeing close to a $100 million in lost revenue, just through April.” - Claire Rice, executive director of Arts Alliance Illinois, talking about some of the troubling statistics that are emerging.
A new public-private fundraising effort aimed at supporting Illinois’ arts sector is now accepting applications. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced details of the new Arts For Illinois Relief Fund last week during one of his daily COVID-19 press briefings. The initiative is the result a partnership between the state, the city of Chicago and a network of local philanthropic organizations. More than four million dollars has been committed to seed the fund with goal of providing some relief to the creative sector. But Arts For Illinois organizers hope to be able to increase that amount through fundraising. And there’s definitely a need and its expected to get bigger.
Artists and non-profit organizations can find the eligibility criteria at artsforillinois.org
Applications for the first wave of Arts For Illinois Relief grants will be accepted through April 8.
In addition to the relief fund, the Arts For Illinois website will serve as a space to find streaming content.
Acclaimed artist Amanda Williams
