FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9, 2024
Contact: Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright
Telephone: 309-258-1327
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: artspartners.net/artsdollars
ArtsPartners of Central Illinois Announces Major Expansion of Arts Dollars Grant Program
Peoria, IL – ArtsPartners of Central Illinois is excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Arts Dollars Grant Program, featuring a dramatic increase in available funding. Thanks to significant support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI), this year’s grant pool has grown to $37,000 — more than triple the $11,500 allocated in 2023. This expansion will allow for more substantial support for artists and nonprofit organizations in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.
“This new level of funding is a tremendous opportunity for the arts in our region,” said Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright, Executive Director of ArtsPartners. “Our unique Arts Dollars program helps foster creativity and collaboration, and this year we’ll be able to support even more projects that enrich our community. The arts contribute in meaningful ways to both our economy and our quality of life, and we’re thrilled to see how these grants will support those efforts.”
Mark Roberts, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois, shared his enthusiasm for the expanded collaboration.
“The Community Foundation of Central Illinois is pleased to work alongside ArtsPartners to provide funding for individual artists and local nonprofits to support arts-centered projects in our community. By partnering in this way, we can collectively provide greater impact for our vibrant arts sector.”
Grant Categories
This year’s Arts Dollars Grant Program will support projects in three categories:
Individual Artists: Provides grants for individual artists seeking to create new work. Projects can range from public performances to exhibitions, installations, and more.
Nonprofit Organizations: Designed to support local nonprofit organizations working on arts-centered projects. This includes organizations hosting public events, performances, or arts education initiatives that contribute to the cultural fabric of the community.
Arts in Education: Grants for Pre-K through 12 programs that integrate the arts into educational settings, whether through in-school programs, after-school activities, or collaborations between artists and educational institutions to enhance student learning experiences.
Important Program Information
Applicants for the Arts Dollars program must live within Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford counties and programs must take place within this service area. To help applicants navigate the process, ArtsPartners will host a free informational webinar on Tuesday, September 17th, at 12:30 PM. This session will cover eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and tips for submitting a competitive proposal. You can sign up for the session at artspartners.net/artsdollars and see full eligibility information and guidelines for the granting process. Applications are due September 30, 2024.
2023 Impact: Paving the Way for Success
In 2023, the Arts Dollars program provided funding to eight local artists and organizations, including projects like artist Jessica Bingham’s solo exhibition at the Peoria Art Guild and Arc Light Production’s Summer Community Youth Theatre program. Even with a smaller budget of $11,500, the program supported initiatives that enriched the cultural landscape of Central Illinois. With the enhanced funding this year, ArtsPartners looks forward to an even greater community impact.
Arts Dollars 2024 funding is provided by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, National Endowment for the Arts, and Community Foundation of Central Illinois.
For more information on how to apply, eligibility details, and deadlines, visit artspartners.net/artsdollars.
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ArtsPartners of Central Illinois promotes the arts as a vital component of central Illinois’ cultural and economic development. Founded in 1999, ArtsPartners of Central Illinois, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to build awareness and strengthen the arts for the economic and cultural enrichment of central Illinois.