What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Illinois Arts Council, 115 S. LaSalle Street , Ste. 2202, Chicago, IL (2025)

08/08/2025

Opportunity for Dancers:
Ballet Chicago / Year-Round Program Audition

Register now to be eligible to audition for Ballet Chicago's The Nutcracker!

Dancers perform in 10 shows at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.
Children's Nutcracker auditions will be held on September 13 at the Ballet Chicago Studios, located at 17. N State Street, Chicago

Must be enrolled to audition. Audition for the School now through September, Children's Nutcracker Auditions on September 13th.

To learn more about Ballet Chicago, follow the link: www.balletchicago.org/
Registration Link: https://bcportal.org/portal/registration_new_acad/

Email contact at Ballet Chicago if questions regarding post: School Registrar, Emma Kapteyn, ekapteyn@balletchicago.org

08/08/2025

REPOSTING Opportunity for Filmmakers/Film Teams:
Chicago International Film Festival

Applications for CIX:Lab 2025 are now open!
Deadline for Application is August 18, 2025

Projects and teams must meet the following criteria:
- The individual or company submitting material must either own or possess all rights contained within the material. If the pitch team is not the owner of the material, they must provide the necessary licenses.
- Must be a narrative feature in late-stage development.
- Must have an attached Director and Producer.
- Must provide a link to a prior work sample in the online application form.
- Must be available to attend all sessions in Chicago in-person.

The following additional pre-production elements will strengthen an application:
- Attached talent / letters of interest.
- Some financing in place.
- Commitments from other key creatives.
- Partnerships or support from other companies or organizations.

In order to apply, you must complete the online form and submit applicable payment.

The application will ask you to submit the following supporting materials. Please have these materials prepared before beginning the application:
- The Completed Script

- A “Pitch Deck”
A PDF that gives an overview of the project’s story, theme, genre and production approach. Items to consider including:
Logline and basic story synopsis
Biographies and major credits for key members of the creative team
Highlight any partners and attached talent
Target budget and any financing already in place
Target audience
Photographic or illustrated visuals

- A Two-Minute Elevator Pitch Video
A two-minute, direct-to-camera video pitch that explains the project, the team behind it, and why it should be included in the Pitch Session.
Must include all members of the pitch team.
Should not be overly produced or edited. The purpose is to show us how well you can tell your story.
Videos should be uploaded to Vimeo, You Tube, or another streaming site. Please provide password if applicable.

For more information, follow the link:
www.chicagofilmfestival.com/industry/lab/

08/08/2025

Many thanks to IAC Grantee, Michael Charles, for his beautiful 60th message! We are so grateful for your support, Michael!

08/07/2025

Congratulations to IAC grantee, , for their upcoming event this weekend, of their newest installation of 'for Mecca' at S. R. Crown Hall at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Bronzeville, on Chicago's South Side.

We are beyond thrilled an thrilled for this amazing group of artists, designers, thinkers & makers, comprised of co-founders: avery r. young, Andrew Schachman, Faheem Majeed, Jeremiah Hulsebos-Spofford, along with an amazing staff.

We encourage everyone to attend this Saturday, August 9th public premiere of 'Mecca in Memory'; it is free and open to the public!

S. R. Crown Hall/Siegel Field is located at 3360 S State St, Chicago, IL

Saturday schedule:
1:30 PM
Ceremonial inflate of “for Mecca”
Public performance and musical processional (Siegel Field)
Led by Cory Wilkes with remarks by Nora Brooks Blakely, Billy Branch, Kevin Harrington, and Erica Griffin

3:00 PM
Panel: But They’re Still Here in the Archival Evidence
Crown Hall Lower Core
Featuring Skyla Hearn, “for Mecca” Lead Archivist, for Mecca Research Assistants, tiffany johnson and christian reeder, along with Director of Bronzeville Historical Society, Sherry Williams, and Executive Director of Tulane University’s History Project, Dr. Marcia Walker-McWilliams.

4:30 PM
Benediction / Right Hand of Fellowship
Crown Hall > Siegel Field

5:00 PM
Reception with BBQ and refreshments from Bronzeville Winery
Siegel Field

To learn more about the Floating Museum, follow the link: www.floatingmuseum.org

To watch the WBBM Channel 2 - Chicago interview of Faheem Majeed and Andrew Schachman, follow the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-p-qhDJX3s

08/07/2025

2026 ADA Symposium
Call for Proposals

Submission Deadline: September 12, 2025
No submissions will be accepted after the closing deadline, and not every submission will be selected, as a limited number of slots are available.

The Great Plains ADA Center is now accepting session proposals for the 2026 National ADA Symposium, which includes two event options:
· Virtual Symposium – May 4–6, 2026
· In-Person Symposium – July 19–22, 2026 | Phoenix, Arizona

Session Format:
• Virtual sessions will be 90 minutes in length.
• In-person sessions will be either 90 minutes or two hours. For content requiring additional time, two-part sessions may be considered.

Proposal Topics:
We welcome proposals on any subject related to the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, special consideration will be given to sessions addressing the following priority areas:
· Higher Education
· Healthcare
· Law Enforcement/Corrections
· Accessible Sport and Recreation
· Inclusive Design
· Employment
· Title III / Small Business
· Title II / ADA Coordinator Responsibilities

For more details, follow these links:
ww.wgpadacenter.org/national-ada-symposium/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMBlF1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFpQTJTaldCMWpHdnQ1Ym1BAR6qnSoKfi_bTdxPviCR3WQ5d3vL5YXDCWKmHSqywmUie8rPu9D-kSjEgxLXog_aem_7re2JBuLRC_s9OJsesqiT

www.missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9mh2ahXNOpEDYuG

Questions? Please contact: adacenter@missouri.edu

08/07/2025

REPOSTING Opportunity for AUDITIONS!
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois /
Peoria Players /

AUDITIONS FOR PEORIA PLAYERS' ANNIE
Thursday, August 14 - Saturday, August 16, 2025
Held at First Christian Church of Peoria: 6400 N. University Street, Peoria, IL

AUDITIONS
Thursday, August 14
6-7:30pm (children ages 6 to 14)
7:45-9:30pm (teens/adults ages 15 to 75)

Friday, August 15
6-8pm (children ages 6 to 14)
8-9:30pm (teens/adults ages 15 to 75)

Saturday, August 16
10:30am-12:30pm (children ages 6 to 14)
1-4pm (teens/adults ages 15 to 75)

Those auditioning for the following roles should prepare only the songs listed below:
Annie – “TOMORROW”
Oliver Warbucks -“SOMETHING WAS MISSING”
Miss Hannigan – “LITTLE GIRLS”
Rooster Hannigan – “EASY STREET”

Vocal audition — If you are auditioning for any other roles, please prepare up to two minutes of a song from a Broadway show. You may bring sheet music or a track to sing with. An accompanist and a Bluetooth speaker will be provided.

Dance audition — Please bring dance or comfortable shoes and clothes.

For more audition details:
artspartners.net/events/auditions-for-peoria-players-annie/

08/07/2025

REMINDER:
The IAC will be at the 2025 Illinois State Fair!

Please visit us in the First Lady MK Pritzker's tent, August 12-15th!
Come meet staff and contribute your art skills to our 'Illinois Community Garden', which will later be displayed through a partnership with the Illinois State Museum!

For more information on the Illinois State Fair: www.statefair.illinois.gov/
For more information on the Illinois State Museum: www.illinoisstatemuseum.org

08/06/2025

The IAC Muse Newsletter
Illinois Artist Spotlight: Nejla Yatkin, FY25 Creative Catalyst Grant Recipient

Nejla Yatkin, a Chicago-based choreographer acclaimed by The New York Times as "a magician" and celebrated as one of Dance Magazine’s 25 To Watch, is known for her innovative dance-theatre works that resonate around the globe. A recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the 2023 Guggenheim Fellowship and a 2023 National Dance Project Award, Nejla weaves diverse cultural influences into her choreography. Her recent solo work, The Other Witch, reimagines Mary Wigman’s Hexentanz, delving into themes of feminine power and personal transformation. With performances having taken place in various countries and with plans for international tours, Nejla continues to inspire empathic connections between people and their environments.

Reflecting on her recent accomplishments, Nejla expressed, “With the generous support of the Illinois Arts Council’s Creative Catalyst Grant, I brought my solo dance-theatre work, The Other Witch, to life at the Ruth Page Arts Center in Chicago. The Creative Catalyst Grant made it possible to present this work in its full dimension, supporting everything from theater rental to technical infrastructure. The sold-out evening confirmed how deeply this work resonates, and I look forward to taking The Other Witch internationally in 2026. This journey would not have been possible without local investment, proving that support can spark global ripples.”

To learn more about Nejla, follow the link: www.ny2dance.com/

Nejla will be performing an excerpt from The Other Witch as part of the Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival at the Ruth Page Center September 26-27.
www.ruthpage.org/home

If you want to receive more stories like this, consider signing up for our Muse Newsletter! Visit our homepage and look for CONNECT WITH US!

08/06/2025

REPOSTING Opportunity for Artists:
Gallery Seven Arts /

Exciting preparations for Illiart 2025 are in progress! Illiart is a juried exhibition showcasing the talents of 2D and 3D artists residing in Illinois.

Whether you work with oils, sculpt with clay, or work with wood and metal this event is for you! All art forms are welcome, excluding photography, installations, and video. Gallery Seven encourages you to explore your materials, challenge conventions, and innovate!

The initial jurying will be conducted by independent jurors with final selections made by Gallery Seven members. Cash prizes will be awarded for Best In Show, First Place, Second, Third Place, and three Honorable Mentions.

IMPORTANT DATES:
July 1 - August 30: submission of images
September 8-10: notification of selected works via email
September 19-22: delivery of work
October 2: Illiart opens
October 5: Opening Reception and Awards 1:00 - 3:00
October 26: Illiart closes
October 31 - November 3: pick up work

Entry Fee: One $35 nonrefundable fee entitles each artist to submit up to five entries.

For more information, follow the link:
www.galleryseven.net/illiart

08/06/2025

DEADLINE REMINDER!
Calling Storytellers, Historians, Artists, & Changemakers:
Illinois Humanities /
Opportunity to become a Road Scholar speaker

The Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau is looking for passionate individuals to join their next class of scholars. Applications to join the 2026-2027 Road Scholars Speakers Bureau are currently open now through August 29th.

Applications for the 2026-2027 Road Scholars Speakers Bureau will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. CST on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, and reviewed by a committee of Illinois Humanities staff, host organization representatives, and former Road Scholars speakers

The program supports local nonprofit organizations – including libraries, museums, arts councils, historical societies, civic groups, and many others – by presenting high-quality cultural programs at no cost to attendees or host organizations. In doing so, the Road Scholars Speakers Bureau meets Illinoisians where they are to ensure that we can all experience the power of the humanities.

Speakers who are selected to join our Road Scholars Speakers roster will receive a set amount per presentation based on the mileage and event format. This amount is intended to cover a $300 honorarium as well as necessary mileage, lodging, and meals.

If you know someone who would be a strong speaker, please send them the link to the website and video above; you can also pass their name and email along to speakers@ilhumanities.org so we know you recommended them!

Please visit their webpage to review their Call for Speakers and details about the application process: https://ilhumanities.org/apply-to-be-a-road-scholar?bblinkid=285335087&bbemailid=59121796&bbejrid=-1052189273

It is encourage to watch this short video that shares more about the program and tips for how to strengthen your application: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bBYaHMT2M0

Please reach out to Nicole Rodriguez at speakers@ilhumanities.org with any questions.

08/05/2025

DEADLINE REMINDER:
Opportunity for Film Educators/Young Filmmakers/Film Students:

Illinois DCEO Invites Filmmakers to Enter Shortcuts Short Film Contest
Key Dates:
August 31, 2025 - Early Entry
October 10, 2025- Late Entry
October 31, 2025- Notification Date
November 14 – 15, 2025 - Event Date

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is encouraging Illinois filmmakers to enter the DCEO Illinois Film Office’s Shortcuts Short Film Contest dedicated to promoting the best short films from Illinois students or residents 22 years old or younger.
The Shortcuts winner will receive $250 and be screened at the 815HORTS festival, a short film festival based in Rockford scheduled November 14-15, 2025.

For more information, follow the links:
www.plussevencompany.com/815horts
www.filmfreeway.com/815HORTS

08/05/2025

Call for Artists:
“Feminist Responses in a Tumultuous Time”
Oakton College /
The Koehnline Museum of Art

ART SUBMISSION FORM/ATTACHED DOCUMENTS DEADLINE is due on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Oakton College is looking for submissions that express the creative and diverse ways in which women, feminist, q***r and other minoritized groups resist the attempts to divide and diminish us both at home and abroad. They especially invite works that explore the social and ecological impacts of increasing nationalism, fascism and xenophobia on various socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, ability-based, and international/global/regional groups.

Entries will be judged on artistic quality and adherence to the exhibition theme Feminist Responses in a Tumultuous Time. Note: Submissions that do not directly relate to the exhibit theme WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Koehnline Museum of Art, Oakton College, 1600 E. Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL

The exhibit runs September 30 – October 31, 2025. A public reception will be held Tuesday, September 30th, from 5 to 8 p.m. Artists are encouraged to attend this special event and discuss their work with students and other attendees.

No entry fee.

Questions: Call Nathan Harpaz at 847.635.2633 or email nharpaz@oakton.edu

For more information, follow the link:
https://events.oakton.edu/event/2025-wgss-art-show-call-for-submissions-feminist-responses-in-a-tumultuous-time?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=Oakton+College&_gl=1*os0rey*_gcl_au*MTk1NTU2MjE5OS4xNzU0MzE4NjU2*_ga*MTIwODQ0Mjk0Mi4xNzU0MzE4NjU3*_ga_N955ZWZ9ZX*czE3NTQzMTg2NTYkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTQzMTg2OTAkajI2JGwwJGgw

Illinois Arts Council

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Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm