PEORIA, IL — ArtsPartners of Central Illinois has announced the recipients of its 2025 Arts Dollars Grants, awarding a total of $32,500 to fifteen artists, schools, and community organizations across Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties.
Funded by the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI), Arts Dollars provides essential financial support for local creative projects that make the arts more accessible, inclusive, and visible throughout the region.
“Each year, the Arts Dollars program gives us a snapshot of the creative energy in our region,” said Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright, Executive Director of ArtsPartners. “These grants not only fund artistic projects, but they also invest in vital aspects of community — including connection, education, and identity. The creativity and collaboration we see through these applications always inspires us.”
The 2025 grants support projects ranging from film and music to theatre, public art, and arts education, including initiatives for youth, neurodiverse learners, and rural communities.
Chelsea Carmona and Don Shafer, Arts Dollars Co-Chairs, added: “We’re proud to see how these projects bring people together. This year’s applicants showed an incredible commitment to community engagement, proving that the arts can reach everyone, everywhere.”
The 2025 Arts Dollars review panel included Chris Kaergard (Dirksen Congressional Center), Anupama Uddavolu (OSF Healthcare), Dr. ShamRA Robinson (Citylink Peoria), Karen Rodgers (HISRA), Lynette Fernandes (Bradley Univeristy), and Brittany Personett (Easterseals of Central Illinois).
2025 Arts Dollars Grant Recipients
- Allison Walsh – Witches of the Midwest ($2,000)
A short documentary exploring Midwestern spiritual traditions through women’s stories and local landscapes. - Whitney Johnson-Lessard – Solo Multidisciplinary Exhibition ($400)
An interactive installation connecting art, science, and community curiosity. - Prayerful Arts, LLC – Breaking Free ($1,000)
Free pysanky (Ukrainian egg art) workshops culminating in a public exhibition celebrating transformation through art. - Jeremy Berkley – Peoria Historical Society Silkscreen Print ($350)
An original silkscreen print linking Peoria’s history with contemporary design. - Marquavious Ewing – Carver Center Mural ($1,190)
A youth-driven mural revitalizing a historic community landmark. - Peoria High School – Pride in Every Beat ($3,000)
Drumline revitalization project restoring pride and performance excellence for student musicians. - Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Center – Squish & Soothe: Art for Calm ($975)
A sensory-based art experience that helps young children and caregivers explore creativity and mindfulness together. - Peoria Art Guild – Community Arts Program ($2,700)
Free and low-cost art classes expanding creative access for all ages. - Richwoods High School – Lights, Camera, Action ($3,500)
A mentorship program connecting students with professional designers and artists in technical theatre. - Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Center – Art Knows No Bounds ($3,025)
Inclusive, sensory-safe process art for early learners and families, now in its third year of funding. - Dirksen Primary School – Art Fun for K–3 ($860)
Winter art sessions encouraging creativity and problem-solving for young learners. - Central Illinois Youth Symphony – CIYS Masterclass Series ($3,000)
Public masterclasses providing young musicians with professional coaching and mentorship. - Peoria Fashion Week Academy – HAUS of Runway ($3,500)
Fashion and performance workshops promoting confidence, collaboration, and career development. - Harmonize Peoria – Garage Band Open Stage ($3,500)
Free summer concert series where over 100 young musicians perform, learn live sound, and connect with mentors. - Elmwood Center for the Humanities – Prairie Tales ($3,500)
A documentary film linking Peoria’s rural history and “Whiskey City” legacy through storytelling.
About the Arts Dollars Program
Established in 2023, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is pleased to offer the Arts Dollars grant program for Central Illinois organizations and residents. Made possible by the Illinois Arts Council Agency’s Regional Arts Partners grant program and additional funding from the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, Arts Dollars supports programs and artists that enrich the quality of life in the Greater Peoria region (Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties) through the arts. It is our mission to make art accessible for all. All art forms and mediums are eligible.
