Illinois Arts Council

Illinois Arts Council Building a strong, creative, and connected Illinois through the arts.

IAC Final Reports UpdateThe Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce that the email distribution of final repo...
11/21/2025

IAC Final Reports Update

The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce that the email distribution of final report instructions has begun for FY25 General Operating Support (GOS) and Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) grant recipients. Please check your inbox for this important email from our grants office via no-reply@webmerge.me. Add this email address to your safe senders list to avoid going to spam.

These emails contain instructions and links for completing your final reports in IAC's Salesforce system. The GOS/YEA final reports will be accessible starting Monday, November 24, 2025, and are due by December 15, 2025. Instructions for final reports related to other FY25 grant programs will be shared soon.

We thank you for your ongoing cooperation and understanding as we work to improve our support services. This effort is part of our commitment to making our administrative processes more efficient and effective. We urge all recipients to carefully review the email and follow the guidelines to submit their final report on time successfully. Thank you for your dedication to advancing the arts in Illinois.

The IAC Muse Featured Illinois Arts Organization - Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, FY26 General Operating Support Re...
11/21/2025

The IAC Muse Featured Illinois Arts Organization - Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, FY26 General Operating Support Recipient

The Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC), located in Rockford, Illinois, proudly celebrates its 141st year as the oldest continuously operating music organization in the United States. Operating from a historic 1952 property at 415 N Church Street, MPAC's concert season spans from September through May. This year, they are presenting 18 concerts across three series. The Mendelssohn Presents! series typically features Friday evening concerts with regional and national performers. Sunday Jazz afternoon concerts showcase regional jazz groups, while the Music Monday after-work concerts offer shorter programs with local and regional artists.

In addition, the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center sponsors the annual Chandler Starr Miller Scholarship Competition, now in its 64th year. This competition is open to students aged 8 to 18 who are soloists playing acoustic instruments or singing. MPAC's Educational Outreach initiative also provides valuable opportunities in regional schools by bringing musicians to perform and share insights into their lives as performers. Another enduring education program offers two weeks of music and art instruction for underprivileged children.

MPAC is a longtime grantee of the IAC. Says board president Wayne Hatwich, “With significant support from the Illinois Arts Council, Mendelssohn PAC is enabled to continue its musical mission, enriching and inspiring lives in the Rockford community through music.” On December 15, MPAC will present its Sounds of the Season concert featuring Rachel Handlin, Michael Beert, and Tim Anderson who promise to deliver a festive holiday spirit.

Photos: Clive Driskill-Smith, organ, and Joe Gramley, percussion. presented by MPAC at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rockford. Photo Credit: Lisa Fountain

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 or scan the QR code!

11/21/2025

IAC Council Member John Groh Wishes the IAC a Happy 60th!
You make the difference, John! Thank you for this rousing anniversary message! We appreciate you so much!

Opportunity for Chicago Curators:Anchor Curatorial Residency Coming to Ellis Park! Chicago Park District / Apply by Nov...
11/20/2025

Opportunity for Chicago Curators:
Anchor Curatorial Residency Coming to Ellis Park!
Chicago Park District /

Apply by November 24, 2025 at bit.ly/anchorapp2025

Chicago Park District announces the 3rd season of the Anchor Curatorial Residency, taking place at Ellis Park Cultural Center in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood. This community-based curatorial project will run from April 2026 through October 2027, culminating in a vibrant exhibition and program series celebrating Bronzeville’s rich artistic and cultural past and present.

To guide this process, they are seeking a talented and thoughtful curator (or programmer) with at least 3 years of professional experience in curation, programming, or project management.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about engaging community, honoring history, and fostering a strong sense of identity through visual arts and cultural programming.

This residency offers a curator fee of $20,000 and an additional budget of $10,000 for exhibition and program expenses. It is open exclusively to current residents of the City of Chicago.

Check out Carlos Flores: Anchor Curatorial Residency at Marquette Park Cultural Center on the Chicago Park District YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFn6EoV3jzM&t=3s

Questions? Reach out to the Arts & Culture Unit at the Chicago Park District:
Jacquelyn Guerrero: Jacquelyn.Guerrero@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Latham Zearfoss: Latham.Zearfoss@chicagoparkdistrict.com

Opportunity for Employment:National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: NASAA Apply before December 1, 2025The National Ass...
11/20/2025

Opportunity for Employment:
National Assembly of State Arts Agencies: NASAA
Apply before December 1, 2025

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) is seeking a temporary, part-time research assistant. This position will play a role in building a national evidence base about state arts agencies and facilitating the use of research across multiple NASAA programs and service areas.

This position is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to work in a national association and is interested in research, government, or the arts and humanities. Projects will include communications regarding NASAA’s biannual survey of state arts agency revenues and maintenance of the revenue survey database; assistance with producing grant fact sheets for NASAA’s members; and assistance with NASAA’s grant database.

Apply via email to hiring@nasaa-arts.org using “Temporary Research Assistant” as the subject line. All applications must include:
- a current résumé
- a cover letter describing your interest in the position
For best consideration, apply before December 1, 2025. Do not apply via fax, phone call or postal mail.

NASAA is dedicated to creating a workplace that welcomes, respects and values people of all races, colors, ages, genders, gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions, creeds, ancestries, national origins, disabilities and veteran statuses.

For more information and to apply, follow the link:
www.nasaa-arts.org/employment/employment/

Opportunity for Multi-disciplinary Artists:cast is seeking artists to participate in the curated group art exhibition, A...
11/20/2025

Opportunity for Multi-disciplinary Artists:cast is seeking artists to participate in the curated group art exhibition, Art Speaks: Abstract Expressions. They are seeking artists to participate in the curated group art exhibition, Art Speaks: Abstract Expressions at the Bridgeport Art Center.

Submission deadline is Sunday December 14, 2025, 11PM
Fee: The $27 application fee is non-refundable. (includes 4 pieces)

Abstract Expressions is a group exhibition for this moment in time. In a world that feels loud and uncertain, we invite artists to explore abstraction not just as a style, but as a release. Expression may be fierce or fragile, joyful or aching, intimate or expansive. It may speak of identity, resistance, memory, desire, longing, or hope.
All mediums welcome: Abstract, Semi-Abstract, Expressionist, Surreal, Geometric, and Contemporary. Painting, Mixed Media, Photography, Sculpture.

Selected works from the collection will also be featured in a special Art Speaks event, where writers respond to your work with live performances of original poems and stories.

Exhibition Dates: January 16 - March 6, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, January 16 7-10 pm
Art Speaks Event: TBD
Venue: Bridgeport Art Center - Third Floor Gallery, 1200 W. 35th Street, Chicago

Visit vibrantcast.com for more details.
Please contact vibrantcast with all questions regarding this opportunity.

Artwork by artist , titled Double Door

REPOSTING Opportunity for Artists:North Shore Art League / 14th Annual Art in the VillageApplication deadline is Februa...
11/20/2025

REPOSTING Opportunity for Artists:
North Shore Art League /
14th Annual Art in the Village
Application deadline is February 6, 2026.

The 14th Annual Art in the Village juried art show sponsored by the North Shore Art League will take place at Hubbard Woods Park, 939 Green Bay Road, in Winnetka on June 13 & 14, 2026, from 10 am – 5 pm.

NSAL, the 101-year-old arts organization located in the historic Community House, Winnetka is proud to promote this annual juried art show. The park is a beautiful setting for a summer art fair - in the middle of the Village’s Hubbard Woods Design District. This boutique exhibition features artists from across the country showcasing their work, including oil paintings, mixed media, photography, sculpture, and more.

Apply to the show: ZAPP - Event Information - Art in the Village 2026 - North Shore Art League, www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13871

For more information: www.NorthShoreArtLeague.org

Opportunity for FREE Sense and Support Virtual Workshop:Cultural Access Collaborative / Register now to join the the Cu...
11/19/2025

Opportunity for FREE Sense and Support Virtual Workshop:
Cultural Access Collaborative /
Register now to join the the Cultural Access Collaborative for the last Professional Development Program of 2025!

Come learn the basics of creating thoughtful, effective sensory kits that serve all five senses. Hear from experienced professionals on what makes a successful sensory tool, and dig deeper into how organizations can create and distribute these supports for their communities. Grab your favorite fidget and join them for this virtual session!

Join them on December 11th from 12-1PM CST on Zoom using this link:
www.culturalaccesscollaborative.org/collab-events/sense-support

To learn more about Cultural Access Collaborative: www.culturalaccesscollaborative.org/

Opportunity for Artists or Artist Teams:Request For Qualifications (RFQ) / Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Sp...
11/19/2025

Opportunity for Artists or Artist Teams:
Request For Qualifications (RFQ)
/ Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
DuSable Park Public Art: Honoring Native Voices
Deadline: Friday, January 2, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. CT

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), in partnership with the Chicago Park District (CPK), invites artists and artist teams to submit qualifications for a significant public art commission at the future DuSable Park. The park will be a site of remembrance and celebration of Chicago’s early history. This artwork will uplift Native voices, honoring Indigenous inhabitants’ continued presence and their foundational role in the origins of Chicago. The artwork will tell a story of alliance, cultural exchange, and enduring vibrancy.

The budget for this permanent artwork is $500,000, inclusive of all costs and fees associated with design, engineering, fabrication, site preparation, installation, and related expenses.

Virtual Info Session: Monday, November 24, Noon - 1 p.m.
For more info, follow the link: www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/provdrs/public_art_program/svcs/dusable_park.html

Applications must be submitted digitally via the CAFÉ online application system at
www.artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15890

11/19/2025

So grateful to our beloved, long-time IAC Council Member, Les Begay, for his 60th wish and for encouraging everyone to support the arts! Thank you so much, Les!

11/19/2025

We give a huge thanks to long-time IAC friend and grantee, Joanna Furnans, Executive Director of , for her lovely 60th anniversary message! Thank you so much Joanna - we are grateful for you!

Opportunity for Employment:Arts Midwest / Applications are due by Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:59PM CT.Social Media A...
11/18/2025

Opportunity for Employment:
Arts Midwest /
Applications are due by Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:59PM CT.

Social Media And Marketing Manager
Arts Midwest is hiring a full-time Social Media and Marketing Manager to amplify Midwestern creativity.

Arts Midwest believes that creativity is one of the Midwest’s greatest strengths, and they’re passionate about sharing it with the world.

They’re looking for a dynamic Social Media and Marketing Manager to shape how their storytelling, short-form videos, opportunities, and resources show up across their Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, email, and whatever comes next.

As part of their Content & Communications team, you’ll manage Arts Midwest’s daily digital presence—distributing original articles and videos, creating social-native content that champions the creative Midwest, and helping our content reach new audiences.

You’ll also support marketing across their portfolio of grants and programs, connecting artists and arts organizations to information and funding.

Questions? Contact admin@artsmidwest.org, or call 612.341.0755.

Follow the link for details & to apply: www.artsmidwest.org/careers/social-media-and-marketing-manager/?utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=We%27re+Hiring%21

Address

115 S. LaSalle Street , Ste. 2202
Chicago, IL
60603

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+13128146750

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