Our Mission
Founded in 1999, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax exempt, non-for-profit organization whose mission is to build awareness and strengthen the arts for the economic and cultural enrichment of Central Illinois.
Our vision is to be the one-stop source for arts information in Central Illinois; and to facilitate partnerships and programs that empower and raise awareness for the arts. We work to accomplish our mission by…
Engaging the Community with the Arts
We facilitate partnerships, initiatives and programs that encourage and expand opportunities for public participation in the arts. Additionally, we coordinate information and resources on behalf of local arts organizations to help keep the arts on the community agenda.
Supporting the Arts
We promote the arts through community-wide marketing activities aimed at developing new audiences and patrons for the arts in central Illinois. Additionally, we champion professional development and networking opportunities to strengthen our greater arts community.
Our Staff
Jenn Gordon
Executive Director
She/Her/Hers
Jenn Gordon joined ArtsPartners as Executive Director in April of 2015. Previously she served as Manager for Concert and Artist Activities for North and South America for Steinway & Sons – New York. She is a Peoria native and is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Illinois where she earned a Bachelors in Music – Violin Performance. She grew up participating in lots of local theatre and music in Central Illinois and is thrilled to be back to raise her family and advocate for the arts in her home town.
- 309-258-1327
- jgordon@artspartners.net
- 456 Fulton St. Suite 300 Peoria, IL 61602
Selena Pappas
Community Engagement Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Selena started at ArtsPartners in 2022 and comes to Peoria from Tinley Park, IL. She graduated from Bradley University in 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in Game Design.
- 309-676-2787
- info@artspartners.net
- 456 Fulton St. Suite 300 Peoria, IL 61602
Officers and Board Members
Frannie Heine, President
She/Her/Hers
Frannie was born and raised in Peoria, IL and attended Illinois State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in International Business. She has spent her career at Maui Jim Sunglasses where she’s held various roles across Human Resources, Global Operations, and Supply Chain. Frannie’s passion for travel and exploring new cultures has led her to work closely with Maui Jim’s international teams, including a 5-year assignment in Dubai, UAE. In her current role as Director of Domestic Fulfillment and Global Logistics, Frannie oversees all logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment functions. She leads a team of 70+ individuals to move Maui Jim’s products from our manufacturers to our distribution centers and customers around the world.
Frannie was recently honored as a 2022 recipient of the Early Career Achievement Award through Illinois State University’s College of Business. She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, where she also sits on the Ignite Peoria Committee. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Peoria Grown, a local food insecurity charity. In her spare time, Frannie enjoys participating in book clubs, curating trips for friends and family, and attending art events and local farmers markets with her husband and daughter.
Hiral Hudson, Vice President
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Pam Johnson, Treasurer
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Megan Pedigo, Secretary
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Mary Jo Papich, Past President
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Peggy Bonner
David Stotz
Kevin Evans
Joshua Herman
Alexander Martin
They/Them/Theirs
Ross Miller
Michelle Nielsen Ott
She/Her/Hers
Joe Spanier
He/Him/His
Joe has worked in the manufacturing space of Peoria for the last 15+ years at Caterpillar, and a few local start ups as an automation engineer. He was a founding member of Peoria's community makerspace RiverCityLabs and is a board member for Ignite Peoria since its second year.
Dr. Marwin Spiller
He/Him/His
Our Partners
Thank you to our funders! The Peoria Civic Center Authority and City of Peoria have committed a portion of collected restaurant tax to ArtsPartners as an economic investment, recognizing that a rich cultural environment is an economic benefit to the entire Peoria area.
Additionally, ArtsPartners is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Our Publications
Over the years, ArtsPartners has produced the following informational arts resources that highlight public art and local artists, and arts and the economy. Hard copies can be requested in person at the ArtsPartners office. Additionally, digital downloads are available below.
